Card loading system for a data card unit

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, for transferring data cards between a card loading device and a data card unit of a gaming device. The gaming device has a card mouth adapted to receive and dispense data cards. The card loading device includes a housing, a first card holder adapted to hold one or more data cards having a use designation, and a second card holder adapted to hold one or more data cards having a non-use designation. The card loading device can also include a third card holder adapted to hold one or more of the non-use data cards. The card loading device includes a mating member detachable from the housing. The mating member is adapted to engage the card mouth of the gaming device. The mating member has a mouth adapted to dispense data cards to and receive data cards from the card mouth of the gaming device. The card loading device includes a card transport device operatively coupled to transport the data cards having the use designation from the first card holder to the mouth of the mating member, and to transport the data cards having the non-use designation from the mouth of the mating member to the second card holder. The card loading device includes a data interface configured to communicate with a data interface of the gaming device over a wired or wireless connection.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority ofHedrick et al., U.S. application Ser. No. 11/158,478 for “Gaming DeviceIncluding a Card Processing Assembly Having Vertically-Stacked CardHolders Operable with Thermally-Printable Data Cards and Portable CardChangeover Machines,” filed Jun. 22, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of Hedrick et al., U.S. application Ser. No.10/661,229 for “Gaming Device Having a Card Management System for theManagement of Circulating Data Cards,” filed Sep. 12, 2003, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and moreparticularly to a gaming device having a card management system formanaging circulating data cards.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or maycontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appearsin the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Contemporary gaming machines, such as slot machines, poker machines,blackjack machines and keno machines, generally are adapted to acceptpaper currency (such as dollar bills) and tokens or coins (such asquarters and half dollars) from a player. For instance, a player maypurchase dollar tokens from a cashier and insert the tokens into thegaming device to play a game. If a player earns a payout, the gamingdevice provides additional credits for the player or dispenses theappropriate number of tokens to the player. The player may cash in thetokens at the cashier for currency.

The use of coins and tokens has several disadvantages. Because eachtoken represents a relatively small amount of currency, a playertypically handles a number of tokens. It is typical for a gaming deviceto dispense a handful of tokens to a player for a typical win. Thesupply and handling of tokens in a gaming facility requires substantiallabor, storage space and security procedures. Also, containers aretypically provided to players for carrying tokens from place to place.Dirt and germs tend to accumulate on the containers and the tokens asthey circulate from player to player. The high number of tokens andcontainers thus contribute to colds and other health conditions. Withthe advance of electronics, several techniques have been developed as analternative for tokens, coins and paper currency in gaming machines.

Various conventional systems and devices may provide an electronicalternative to tokens, but they fail to disclose a gaming device whichreceive, store and dispense data cards to facilitate the recirculationof such cards similar to the circulation of tokens or coins.Player-specific cards require a player to open an account andpermanently keep a card. The replacement costs for these types of cardscan be relatively high because players tend to lose or dispose cardsafter the balance becomes zero, and also players do not always carry thecards with them. If they want to spontaneously play a gaming device,they must obtain a replacement card. In addition, many players do notwish to open an account and disclose their personal information. Theother systems discussed above, such as the ticket systems, require acontinuous replenishing of the materials needed to produce the ticketsand also require substantial maintenance of such systems. Theplayer-specific cards described above also do not allow all players toplay anonymously.

Thermal rewritable data cards are one such alternative that are used totransfer funds in casino properties. Typically, a cashless enabled gamehas a gaming printer to produce rewritable cards and a rewritable cardreader that supports automatic reading of rewritable cards. Tocoordinate the activities of multiple cashless enabled games, one ormore cashless enabled games may be electronically coupled to a cashlessenabled game system that controls the cashless operations of a cashlessenabled game.

In operation, for example, a player provides currency or cash to acurrency station and in exchange receives a thermal rewritable data cardwith a cash identifier or cash data corresponding to the amount ofcurrency the player deposited. The player uses that data card to play agaming device by loading the data card in the loading portion of thegaming device. If the player cashes out or voluntarily terminates thegame with credits remaining, the gaming device dispenses that data cardto the player with fund data or cash data corresponding to the amount ofremaining cash. If, on the other hand, the player loses all creditswhile playing the game, the gaming device retains data card, resets itand stores it for future use. This reset data card can be used again bythe same player or other players in a variety of scenarios.

A thermal rewritable card may be redeemed in a variety of ways. Forexample, the rewritable card may be redeemed for cash at a cashier'scage or used with another cashless enabled game. In order to use therewritable card in a cashless enabled game, the rewritable card isinserted into a rewritable card reader of another cashless enabled gameat a participating casino and the cashless enabled game systemrecognizes the rewritable card, redeems the rewritable card, and placesan appropriate amount of playing credits on the cashless enabled game.

Cashless enabled games have found an increasing acceptance and use inthe gaming industry, both with players who enjoy the speed of play andease of transporting their winnings around the casino and casinos whohave realized significant labor savings in the form of reduced coinhopper reloads in the games, and an increase in revenue because of thespeed of play. Practical field experience with printers used in cashlessenabled games has illustrated that there are areas for improvement inthe current printer designs and implementation. These areas in need ofimprovement include methods and means for using rewritable card media.

In a conventional gaming machine, thermal rewritable data cards arestored in one or more suitable data card bins associated with the datacard unit. Such data cards include new, i.e. unused cards not yetdispersed to players, as well as cards retained by the data card unitbecause they have no remaining balance of credits. Often, defect cards,i.e. cards that no longer function properly or have been defaced, arealso stored. When a card holder in the gaming device is full or empty, aslot attendant must service the gaming device and manually add or removecards from the bins of the data card unit.

The conventional servicing of a data card unit is an inaccurate, timeconsuming, and cumbersome process. Without being able to see how full orempty are the card storage bins, casino attendants are often left toestimate or guess whether tickets need to be replenished and removed ina particular gaming device. These issues become more problematic withnew casino attendants, unfamiliar with the average volume of play of acertain bank of machines. Further, when an attendant decides to servicea machine, one or more security keys are generally required tophysically unlock a gaming machine door enclosing the data card unit.Often a casino attendant needs to summon security personnel to come andopen the machine, before it can be serviced, causing additional delayand downtime. When the door is eventually opened, the attendant mustthen manually replenish and/or remove tickets. This often requires theattendant to free the data card unit from any mounting and restrainingapparatus, pull the card unit out, feed tickets into the unit, push afeed button to pull the first ticket from a stack of tickets for outputfrom the card unit, push the card unit back into its original location,close, and lock the gaming machine door.

The above-described servicing of a gaming device takes the device out ofuse for the service period of time. Game play is interrupted, becauseplayers cannot play the machine while it is being serviced. The gamingdevice, and hence the owner/operator of the gaming establishment inwhich the device is situated, do not make money during the entire timewhen the machine is serviced. The lengthy loading and unloading processassociated with conventional gaming device card units can causesignificant loss of revenue to the gaming establishment. In someinstances, even after the gaming device is back online, players may havelost interest in the machine and pursued entertainment elsewhere,leading to further losses for a gaming establishment.

The conventional procedure of servicing the data card unit of a gamingdevice also compromises the security of the device. This is because thegaming device must be unlocked and opened during data card transfers,exposing the inner peripherals and components of the machine. In manyconventional gaming machine cabinet configurations, components arelocated in similarly accessible regions of the cabinet. Thus, opening adoor to access the data card often means providing access to the billacceptor, cash storage bin, ticket printer, and sometimes even one ormore processors of the gamine device. When the gaming device is open,patrons have the opportunity to grab coins, bills, tickets, tamper withoperation of the device and its peripherals, and engage in othermischievous and illegal conduct.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, andsystems, including computer program products, implementing and usingtechniques for transferring data cards between a card loading device anda data card unit of a gaming device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is providedfor transferring data cards between a card loading device and a datacard unit of a gaming device. A communications session is establishedbetween the card loading device and the data card unit via a suitablewireless or wired interface. Status information is determined fortransferring data cards between the card loading device and the datacard unit. The determined status information is provided to the cardloading device. Operation of a card transport device in the card loadingdevice is synchronized with operation of a card transport device in thedata card unit. Data cards are transferred between the card loadingdevice and the data card unit in accordance with the determined statusinformation. In one implementation, the status information includes oneor more status indicators such as: card holder availability, card holderlevel, card holder empty, card holder not empty, card holder full, cardholder capacity, load status, number of cards dispensed, and number ofcards received.

Cards transferred between the card loading device and the data card unitcan include cards having a use designation, cards having a non-usedesignation, a cleaning card, and a configuration card. Code can betransferred from the card loading device to the gaming device, such asfirmware associated with the gaming device, firmware associated with thedata card unit, software, and other data.

In one implementation, card loading information is displayed on adisplay of the card loading device. The card loading information caninclude one or more items such as: battery level, data interfacecommunications status, data interface signal strength, gaming device IDnumber, synchronization data, and the determined status information. Inone implementation, the card loading device includes a speaker coupledto provide audio output relating to operation of the card loadingdevice.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a card loadingdevice is provided for use with a gaming device under control of agaming processor. The gaming device has a card mouth adapted to receiveand dispense data cards. The card loading device includes a housing, afirst card holder situated in the housing, and a second card holder alsosituated in the housing. The first card holder is adapted to hold one ormore data cards having a use designation. The second card holder isadapted to hold one or more data cards having a non-use designation. Inone implementation, the card loading device also includes a third cardholder adapted to hold one or more of the data cards having the non-usedesignation.

The card loading device further includes a mating member detachable fromthe housing. The mating member is adapted to engage the card mouth ofthe gaming device. The mating member has a mouth adapted to dispensedata cards to and receive data cards from the card mouth of the gamingdevice.

A card transport device is situated in the housing. The card transportdevice is operatively coupled to transport the data cards having the usedesignation from the first card holder to the mouth of the matingmember. The card transport device is also operatively coupled totransport the data cards having the non-use designation from the mouthof the mating member to the second card holder.

The card loading device further includes a processor coupled to controloperation of the card transport device. A data interface is coupled tothe processor. The data interface is configured to communicate with adata interface of the gaming device coupled to the gaming processor. Inone implementation, the data interface of the card loading device iscapable of transferring code to the data interface of the gaming device.The code can include firmware, software, and other executable data. Thedata interface can be a wired or wireless interface, such as an IrDAinterface.

The card loading device can further include a display coupled to receiveand display information including card loading information provided bythe processor. In one implementation, the display is disposed on a sideof the housing opposite the mating member. Also, an input device can beoperatively coupled to the processor. The input device enables a user toprovide one or more inputs to control operation of the card transportdevice.

All of the foregoing methods and apparatus, along with other methods andapparatus of aspects of the present invention, may be implemented insoftware, firmware, hardware and combinations thereof. For example, themethods of aspects of the present invention may be implemented bycomputer programs embodied in machine-readable media and other products.Also, aspects of the invention may be implemented by networked gamingmachines, game servers and other such devices. These and other featuresand benefits of aspects of the invention will be described in moredetail below with reference to the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and process steps for thedisclosed card loading device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a gaming device havinga card management assembly for managing data cards.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a gamingdevice receiving, reading, resetting and storing a data card.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a gamingdevice retrieving a data card from its card holder and writing upon anddispensing the data card.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a gamingdevice having the capacity to receive, read, update and dispense a datacard and to receive, read, reset and store a data card.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of thecirculation of a single data card through a plurality of gaming devices.

FIG. 5 is a graph of an example of multiple players using a single datacard which changes between a blank state and a charged state on multipleoccasions.

FIG. 6 is a graph of an example of multiple players using a single datacard which changes between a face value charged state and a differentcharged state on multiple occasions.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a gaming device havinga card management assembly for managing cards.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a card managementassembly.

FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of the card managementassembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side elevation view of the card managementassembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a top or plan view of an embodiment of the front side or faceof a data card.

FIG. 12 is a top or plan view of a backside of the data card of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the electronicconfiguration of a data card.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming device.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a gaming device.

FIG. 15A is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the electronicconfiguration of a gaming device.

FIG. 15B is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aplurality of gaming terminals in communication with a centralcontroller.

FIG. 15C is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aplurality of gaming devices in communication with a pay validationsystem and a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a clerkvalidation termination which, in turn, is in communication with a payvalidation system.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming devicehaving vertically-stacked card holders and a camera.

FIG. 17A is break-away expanded view of an embodiment of the card mouthand card mouth display device of the card processing assemblyillustrating card usage graphics.

FIG. 17B is break-away expanded view of an embodiment of the card mouthand card mouth display device of the card processing assemblyillustrating player-selectable printable graphics.

FIG. 17C is break-away expanded view of an embodiment of the card mouthand card mouth display device of the card processing assemblyillustrating a printable photograph of the player.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side elevation view of an embodiment of the cardprocessing assembly.

FIG. 19 is a schematic rear elevation view of an embodiment of the cardprocessing assembly.

FIG. 20 is a schematic front elevation view of an embodiment of the pinconnector of the card processing assembly.

FIG. 21 is a schematic bottom view of an embodiment of the cardprocessing assembly.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the thermally-printabledata card.

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the thermally-printable data cardillustrated in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the thermally-printabledata card illustrating multiple thermally-printable areas.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the thermally-printable data cardillustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of thethermally-printable data card.

FIG. 27 is a break-away expanded view of the body of thethermally-printable data card of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming deviceillustrating the card changeover device at the rear of the gamingdevice.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming deviceillustrating the card changeover device at the side of the gamingdevice.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation perspective view of an embodiment of aportable card loading device 600.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming deviceillustrating the portable card loading device 600 removably attached tothe gaming device.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a portable cardloading device 700, constructed in accordance with another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the portable card loading device700.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a card management system including theportable card loading device 700 and card management assembly 114 ofgaming device 602, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of the card loading device 700.

FIG. 36 shows an exploded rear view of the card loading device 700.

FIG. 37 shows a flow diagram of a method 800 for transferring data cardsbetween a card loading device and a data card unit of a gaming device,performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 shows a gaming device 900 with a card receiving bezel,constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 shows a side view of a card management system 1000 constructedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 shows an exploded side view of the card management system 1000,illustrating components of the bezel 908.

FIG. 41 shows a front perspective view of the card management system1000, including bezel 908 and card management assembly 114.

FIG. 42 shows a rear perspective view of the card management system1000, including the card management assembly 114, the card entry member1112, and the bezel 908.

FIG. 43 shows a rear perspective view of the bezel 908.

FIG. 44 shows a front perspective view of the button 436 and display 412of the bezel 908 assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following patent applications and patents are hereby incorporated byreference: Hedrick et al., U.S. application Ser. No. 10/661,229 for“Gaming Device Having a Card Management System for the Management ofCirculating Data Cards,” filed Sep. 12, 2003; Hedrick et al., U.S.application Ser. No. 11/158,478 for “Gaming Device Including a CardProcessing Assembly Having Vertically-Stacked Card Holders Operable withThermally-Printable Data Cards and Portable Card Changeover Machines,”filed Jun. 22, 2005; Griswold et al., U.S. application Ser. No.10/923,568 for “Gaming System with Rewritable Display Card and LCD InputDisplay for Reading Same,” filed Aug. 20, 2004; Meyerhofer, U.S. Pat.No. 7,192,208 for “Rewritable Card Printer,” filed Sep. 2, 2003;Meyerhofer, U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,992 for “Rewritable Card Printer,” filedOct. 26, 2005; Meyerhofer, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/827,802 for“Rewritable Card Printer for a Gaming Machine,” filed Apr. 19, 2004;Meyerhofer, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/678,837 for “Rewritable CardPrinter,” filed Feb. 26, 2007; and Beadell et al., U.S. application Ser.No. ______, (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P453/P-1282) for “Bezel Interfacefor a Card Loading System,” filed herewith.

Reference will now be made in detail to some specific embodiments of theinvention including the best modes contemplated by the inventors forcarrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention isdescribed in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thedescribed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.Moreover, numerous specific details are set forth below in order toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process operations have not beendescribed in detail in order not to obscure the present invention.

I. General Card Management System

A. Card Management Assembly

Referring now to FIG. 1, a gaming device 10 a includes a card managementsystem having a card management assembly 11 a; one or more data exchangecard read-write devices 12 for receiving, updating, reading anddispensing data cards 14; a card transporter 16 for moving or conveyingdata cards 14 within the gaming device; one or more card holders 18 forholding or storing data cards 14; and a processor 20 which controls theoperation of the card read-write device 12, the card transporter 16 andthe card holder 18.

There is a plurality of different embodiments of the data cardsdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the data cards have a substantiallyrectangular shape of a personal identification card, are relativelyrigid and are constructed of a suitable plastic material. In anotherembodiment, the data cards are tickets. These data cards or tickets, inone example, have a rectangular shape, are relatively flexible and areconstructed of paper or plastic. Furthermore, these data cards ortickets can be assembled in a roll where each data card or ticket is cutor torn from the roll. In other embodiments, the data cards can include,consist of or have the configuration of slips, paper currency, tokens,coins or any suitable combination of such embodiments of the data cards.

The card read-write device 12, in this embodiment, includes a gamingdevice interface (not shown) which enables the gaming device processor20 to electronically communicate with the data card 14. Using the gamingdevice interface, the processor 20 reads, updates or resets credit orcash identification data on a data card 14, depending upon which eventsoccur during a game. The gaming device interface may directly contactsthe data card 14, and through conduction or magnetism, enablescommunication. However, the gaming device interface can also include adevice which enables the processor 20 and the data card 14 tocommunicate without such direct contact such as through the use ofmagnetic field technology. In one embodiment, instead of including acard read-write device, the gaming device includes a card read deviceand a card write device.

The card transporter 16, in one embodiment, includes a plurality ofrollers 22 which, under the control of the processor 20, move data card14 to and from the card read-write device 12 and to and from the cardholder 18. The rollers 22 rotate at a predetermined rate and in apredetermined direction so as to move data cards 14 to theirdestinations. The card transporter 16 may include a path 16 a forconveying data cards 14 to the card holder 18 and a path 16 b forconveying data cards 14 to the card read-write device 12. It should beappreciated that the card transporter 16 can include any mechanism orset of mechanisms which can transport data cards 14, whether or notrollers are included.

The card holder 18, in one embodiment, includes at least one spring 24which compresses the data cards and a feeder 26 adapted to feed a singledata card 14 from the card holder 18 into the rollers 22 of thetransport 16. It should be appreciated that the card holder 18 caninclude any mechanism or set of mechanisms which enables the cardtransporter 16 to store and retrieve data cards 14. For example, thecard holder could include a chute (not shown) which, when closed, storesdata cards and when opened enables a single data card to drop into acard tray (not shown) for collection by a player. In yet anotherembodiment, the card holder can include one or more rollers or wheelswhich can selectively hold and release data cards. The wheels may rotateupon the occurrence of predetermined events to feed particular datacards to a card transporter or directly to a card tray. It should beappreciated that the card holder can include any mechanism capable ofholding or storing a plurality of data cards and enabling the gamingdevice to dispense the data cards to players.

In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of cardholders designated for holding different types of data cards (such asdata cards with integrated circuits, magnetic cards, optical cards, usedcards and unused or new cards). Here, the data exchange card read-writedevice enables the gaming device processor to read and write machinereadable data to different types of cards for those gaming devices whichaccommodate different types of data cards. In any case in thisembodiment, players can use different types of circulating data cards toplay the gaming device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in one embodiment gaming device 10 bincludes a card management assembly 11 b for receiving a data card 14 a.Here, the gaming device processor, using the read-write device, readsthe data card 14 a and stores the credit unit data on that card in thememory of the gaming device as described below and as indicated by block28. The processor then resets the data card 14 a, bringing it to apredetermined state (such as a blank state or face value state), also asindicated by block 28. Then the gaming device processor causes thetransport to move this (now) reset data card 14 a to the card holder 18where a plurality of other data cards are stored.

The processor uses the gaming device memory to keep track of theplayer's credit units and cash balance as the player plays the game. Ifthe player uses or exhausts all of the credit units, the game terminatesand the gaming device does not dispense a data card to the player.However, if the player who inserted the data card 14 a cashes out orterminates the game and has credits, the gaming device processor causesthe feeder 26 to feed a data card 14 a from the card holder 18 to thetransport for conveyance to the card read-write device. There theprocessor stores data on that data card 14 b which corresponds to or isassociated with the amount of remaining credits or cash balance, bywriting data as indicated by block 30. The gaming device 10 b thendispenses the data card 14 b to the player.

The gaming device processor, in one embodiment, uses a computer programto operate the gaming device in conjunction with circulating data cards.The computer program can be stored in any memory or data storage device.The storage device can include software and/or hardware, including,without limitation, any tape or any disk, such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk,hard disk or any other optical or magnetic disk.

In one embodiment, the computer program instructs the gaming deviceprocessor to cause the gaming device to: (a) receive a certain amount ofcurrency; (b) designate for a player a certain amount of credits whichcorresponds to the amount of currency received; (c) initiate a game; (d)enable the player to gain and lose credits while playing the game; (e)track any credit gains and losses; (f) terminate the game after theplayer cashes out or after the player loses a certain amount of credits;(g) retrieve a data card from the card holder; (h) change data on theretrieved data card; and (i) dispense the data card to the player.

In another embodiment, the computer program instructs the gaming deviceprocessor to cause the gaming device to: (a) receive a certain amount ofcurrency; (b) designate for a player a certain amount of credits whichcorresponds to the amount of currency received; (c) initiate a game; (d)enable the player to gain and lose credits while playing the game; (e)track any credit gains and losses; (f) terminate the game after theplayer cashes out or after the player loses a certain amount of credits;(g) retrieve a blank data card from the card holder; (h) change data theblank data card to a charged data card; and (i) dispense the chargeddata card to the player.

In yet another embodiment, the computer program instructs the gamingdevice processor to cause the gaming device to: (a) receive a data cardhaving credit unit data or other data corresponding to or associatedwith a certain amount of credit units or cash; (b) designate for aplayer a certain amount of credits which corresponds to such data storedon the received data card; (c) initiate a game; (d) enable the player togain and lose credits while playing the game; (f) track any credit gainsand losses; (g) terminate the game after the player cashes out or afterthe player loses a certain amount of credits; (h) reset the receiveddata card; (i) move the received data card to the card holder; (j)retrieve a data card from the card holder; (k) change data on theretrieved data card; and (l) dispense the retrieved data card to theplayer.

In another embodiment, the computer program instructs the gaming deviceprocessor to cause the gaming device to: (a) receive a data card havingcredit unit data or other data corresponding to or associated with acertain amount of credit units or cash; (b) designate for a player acertain amount of credits which corresponds to such data stored on thereceived data card; (c) initiate a game; (d) enable the player to gainand lose credits while playing the game; (e) track any credit gains andlosses; (f) terminate the game after the player cashes out or after theplayer loses a certain amount of credits; (g) update the received datacard; and (h) dispense the received data card to the player.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, gaming device 10 c includes acard management assembly 11 c for receiving data card 14 c with dataassociated with a certain amount of credit units or cash and dispensingthis same data card 14 c back to the player if credits remain when theplayer cashes out. If the player loses all of his/her credits, thegaming device processor resets data card. The processor then causes thetransport to move data card 14 c to the card holder for storage andfuture dispensing. If, on the other hand, when the player cashes out orterminates the game, a certain amount of credit remains, the gamingdevice processor updates the data on the data card 14 c to correspond tothe amount of credits or cash possessed by the player at the point ofcash out, as indicated by block 32. The updating may be accomplished bywriting data, as described below. In any case, gaming device 10 c thendispenses this data card 14 c to the player with the data associatedwith the player's balance of appropriate credit or cash. It should beappreciated that the card may be retained in the card read-write deviceor in the card holder while the player plays the gaming device.

The embodiments described in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 include techniques whichgaming devices may employ to reuse and manipulate data cards. In oneembodiment, these techniques preserve gaming device and data cardresources and also simplify the manipulation of data cards within thegaming devices. Either one of these techniques may be suitable fordifferent types of gaming devices and different types of games. Itshould be appreciated that the gaming device can include alternate,suitable techniques for reusing, resetting, updating and manipulatingdata cards within the gaming device.

B. Data Card

The gaming device processor or a currency station can reset the datacards repeatedly so that a single population of circulating data cardscan serve different players at different times. The data card may beuniversal, meaning that it can be used by different players anddifferent times. Though the data card is, in one embodiment,substantially rectangular and sized for a wallet, the data card can beof any suitable shape or size.

The type of data card suitable may have the capacity to be repeatedlyreset and, in one embodiment, can be repeatedly changed between: (a) ablank state and a charged state; or (b) a face value charged state and adifferent charged state. During the life time of a single data card, thedata card can be reset or otherwise brought to a particular state onnumerous occasions. In one embodiment, the data card can be reset andbrought to a particular state (such as a blank state or a face valuestate) hundreds or possibly thousands of times without jeopardizing theintegrity or functionality of the data card.

The gaming device may be operable to receive currency (as describedbelow) or the gaming device need not be adapted to receive currency. Insuch a non-currency embodiment, players are required to obtain datacards or tokens from currency stations in order to play the gamingdevice. In one embodiment, after players have finished playing, allreset data cards remain in the gaming devices and players take chargeddata cards to a currency station for redemption. In one embodiment,periodically a gaming enterprise employee redistributes reset data cardswhich have accumulated in gaming devices and currency stations in orderto maintain a relatively even distribution of reset data cards in thedesired places. This embodiment may be most useful to gaming enterpriseswhich have a policy against storing currency or cash on the “floor.”

In one embodiment, the data card includes an integrated circuit or chip,as described below. The integrated circuit includes a data cardprocessor and one or more memory devices. These data cards are commonlyknown as I/C cards or chip cards, and are also known as “smart cards”though this term is often casually used to refer to data cards ingeneral (whether or not they include an integrated circuit). These typesof data cards are commercially available from a variety of data cardmanufacturing companies and can be programmed for different purposes. Inone embodiment, the data card includes retain code stored in its memory.When the data card has reached a predetermined state (such as a blankstate or a particular face value) or when a player reaches a certaincredit balance (such as zero), the retain code instructs the gamingdevice processor to cause the gaming device to keep or retain the datacard provided by the player. The retain code can also instruct the datacard processor and/or the gaming device processor to reset the data cardand have it stored in the gaming device for future use.

In other embodiments, the data card does not include an integratedcircuit or chip. Instead, the data card may include one or moremechanisms which enable the gaming device processor to read, change andreset the data stored on the data card. These mechanisms may includemagnetic codes, optical codes, bar codes and/or other suitabletechnologies.

As further described below, in one embodiment the data card includes:(a) a thermo-sensitive graphics recording member or strip on the frontside of the card; and (b) an elongated magnetic member or strip. Thegraphics recording strip enables a thermal graphics writer to recordplayer-readable graphics on the card, and the recording strip alsoenables a thermal graphics eraser to erase graphics on the card. Themagnetic strip enables a data exchange read-write device to read machinereadable data stored on the card and to store machine-readable data onthe card.

One or more security devices or security techniques may be incorporatedinto the data cards. Such security devices or techniques can prevent,deter or hinder unauthorized people from rewriting or changing datastored in the data cards.

In one embodiment, a suitable encryption method or encryption code isused to encrypt the data stored on the data card. Here, the gamingdevices and currency stations can include a key code, unlock code ortranslation code. The gaming devices and currency stations use this codeto access, read and/or write to the data card. In other embodiments,holographic images and/or isotope materials are incorporated into thedata card to help ensure the authenticity of the data cards. It shouldbe appreciated that other suitable know security devices and methods toaid in the security of the data cards can be utilized.

C. Operation

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of data cards (representedgenerally by data cards 34) may be both received and dispensed by aplurality of gaming devices (represented by gaming devices 36 a through36 c). The same data card can be used by different players on differentoccasions. For example, a particular player A may initiate a game bydepositing currency in a gaming device 36 a illustrated by block 38. Thegaming device 36 a houses or stores a plurality of blank data cards 34in a card holder 40 a. When player A deposits currency in gaming device36 a, a card transporter in the gaming device brings one of the blankdata cards 34 into contact with a gaming device interface. The gamingdevice processor, using a card read-write device, writes fund datacorresponding to a certain amount of credit units on the data cardwhich, in turn, corresponds to the amount of currency deposited.

After player A makes the deposit, the gaming device processor causesfund data corresponding to one hundred fifty credit units to be writtenon data card 34 a. Player A then plays one or more games at that gamingdevice 36 a. If the player cashes out or terminates the game withcredits remaining, the gaming device will dispense data card 34 a withthe credit, cash or fund data corresponding to the appropriate amount ofremaining credits. In this example, player A purchases one hundred fiftycredit units for data card 34 a, plays the game and wins an additionalfifty credits, bringing the player's balance to a total of two hundredcredit units. Player A then cashes out, and gaming device 36 a dispensesdata card 34 a with data associated with two hundred credit units ordata associated with the cash equivalent of such credit units.

Player A then inserts that data card 34 a into gaming device 36 b inorder to play one or more games there. Player A loses one hundredtwenty-five credits while playing gaming device 36 b before cashing outor terminating the game. The processor in gaming device 36 b updates thefund data on the data card 34 a to reflect a new credit unit amount ofseventy-five. The gaming device 36 b then dispenses this data card 34 ato player A.

Continuing with the example, player A takes this data card 34 a withseventy-five credit units and inserts it into gaming device 36 c. Whileplaying the game at gaming device 36 c, player A loses the remainingseventy-five credit units. The processor of gaming device 36 c resetsthe data card 34 a to a blank state, and the processor then causes thecard transporter to move data card 34 a into a card holder 40 a withingaming device 36 c.

Player A then leaves or walks away from gaming device 36 c with no datacard and no currency or payout, as indicated by block 42. As indicatedby block 44, a different player B may deposit currency into gamingdevice 36 c. The processor of gaming device 36 c may write fund dataassociated with to a certain amount of credit units onto data card 34 a.This amount of credit units will correspond to the amount of currencyinserted into gaming device 36 c. In this example, the processor writesonto the data card 34 a, fund data which is associated with threehundred credit units or fund data associated with the cash equivalent ofsuch credit units.

While playing gaming device 36 c, player B earns an additional twohundred credits, and the processor stores fund data associated with anadditional two hundred credit units (or the cash equivalent thereof) ondata card 34 a appropriately. Player B then may cash out and receivedata card 34 a having fund data associated with five hundred creditunits stored on it or fund data associated with the cash equivalent ofsuch credits. At this point, the player B may then take this data card34 a to a currency station and exchange it for the appropriate amount ofcurrency. In this example, player B takes data card 34 a to currencystation 46.

Depending upon the particular embodiment, the currency station 46 can bea clerk validation terminal (CVT), gaming machine, wireless cashier or amanually operated cashier station. Whether the currency station isautomated or run by an operator, the currency station receives the datacard 34 a and initially validates the data card 34 a. This validationstep involves reading the information on the data card 34 a andcomparing this information to information stored in the pay validationsystem described below. Upon successful validation, the currency station46 reads the fund data on this data card 34 a, resets this data card 34a and stores it with other blank data cards 34 in card holder 40 b. Inaddition, currency station 46 dispenses or provides a certain amount ofcurrency to player B which corresponds to the fund data which remainedon data card 34 a, when provided to the currency station, as indicatedby block 48.

In an example of one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a single datacard A is circulated to three players: player A, player B and player C.Initially, data card A is at a blank state stored in a currency stationwhere player A deposits a certain amount of currency. The amount ofcurrency deposited corresponds to six credit units. The currency stationprovides data card A to the player with fund data corresponding to sixcredit units. In playing one or more gaming devices, player A loses twocredits and then gains three credits before cashing out. Consequently,when the player cashes out, a gaming device dispenses data card A withfund data corresponding to seven credit units. Player A then takes datacard A to a currency station and, upon validation, receives a cashpayout corresponding to the seven credit units. The currency stationthen returns the data card A to a blank state.

Player B then deposits a certain amount of currency at a currencystation and in turn receives data card A with fund data corresponding tofive credit units. In playing one or more gaming devices, player B earnstwo credits and then loses seven credits. Accordingly, the fund data onthe data card is changed to reflect an increase by two and then adecrease to zero. Player B then leaves the gaming device and walks awaywith no currency and with data card A remaining inside the gamingdevice. Player C then deposits a certain amount of currency into thisgaming device and the processor of the gaming device changes the datacard A from the blank state to a charged state having fund datareflecting three credit units. Player C plays the gaming device andearns seven credits before cashing out. The processor of the gamingdevice thus changes the fund data on data card A to reflect an increaseto ten credit units and dispenses data card A to player C. Player C thentakes data card A to a currency station. Upon validation, the currencyexchange provides the player C with an amount of currency correspondingto the ten credit units.

In another embodiment, the gaming device is adapted to receive aplurality of data cards with predetermined face values or preset creditunits. For example, such data cards could be a set of data cards withfund data associated with five credit units and a set of data cards withfund data associated with to ten credit units. These data cards, in oneembodiment, do not reach a blank state. Instead, after use, they arereturned to their predetermined face value or state. Data cards ofdifferent face values can be stored in various gaming device cardholders designated for such data cards.

This embodiment may be desirable to gaming enterprises which havevarious games which require various minimum credits to initiate thegames. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, player A obtains a fivecredit unit data card B by depositing the amount of currencycorresponding to five credits in a gaming device. Using data card B at agaming device, player A initially loses two credits and then gains fourcredits before cashing out. The processor of the gaming device updatesthe fund data on the data card B to reflect seven credit units. Player Athen takes this data card B to a currency station and, upon validation,receives a cash equivalent of seven credit units. The currency stationthen returns the data card B to its predetermined face value or chargedstate reflecting five credit units. Player B then obtains the same datacard B by depositing the amount of currency corresponding to five creditunits in a currency station. After doing so, player B uses data card Bto play a game and earns an additional seven credits, and the processorof the gaming device adjusts or updates the fund data on the data card Bto reflect an amount of twelve credit units. Player B then takes thisdata card B to a currency station. Upon validation, the currencyexchange provides the player B with an amount of currency correspondingto twelve credit units. The currency station returns this data card B toits predetermined face value or preset charged state reflecting fivecredit units.

Player C then deposits an amount of currency equivalent to five creditunits in a currency station and receives data card B which has fund dataassociated with five credit units. After doing so, player C inserts datacard B into a gaming device, plays the gaming device and loses threecredits. The processor of the gaming device initially erases, removes ormodifies the fund data to correspond to five credit units so as toreturn to card B three credit units to its predetermined face value. Thegaming device then stores this data card B for future use, and player Cwalks away from the gaming device with no data card and no currency.

It should be appreciated that the gaming device processor can change,erase or add fund data on a data card at the beginning of a game, endingof a game, at cash out or any time during the operation of the gamingdevice. In addition, it should be appreciated that the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 involve a relatively small number ofplayers merely for illustrative purposes. The gaming device may enablean individual or numerous different players to use the same data card ondifferent occasions. This function of the gaming device, in oneembodiment, resembles the role of currency, such as dollar bills, beingused or handled by different members of the general public.

II. Card Management System for Cards with Graphical Display

Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 12, an embodiment of a gaming device110 with a gaming device processor 112 and a card management system isillustrated. The card management system includes: (a) a card managementassembly 114 positioned in the gaming device 110; and (b) a plurality ofcards 116 manipulated and managed by the card management assembly 114 inthe gaming device 110. As described above, in one embodiment the gamingdevice processor 112 is the processor which controls the generaloperation of the gaming device. In another embodiment, the processor 112is an extra processor which is designated for controlling the cardmanagement system.

A. Card Management Assembly

As generally illustrated in FIG. 7, in one embodiment the cardmanagement assembly 114 includes: (a) a card processing station, bay orassembly 118 where the card 116 is processed and treated as describedbelow; (b) a recycled or used card bin or used card holder 120 forholding used cards 116 a which have been used on one or more occasionsby a player; (c) a new card bin or new card holder 122 for holding newcards 116 b which have not previously been used by a player; and (d) alower support member, platform or pan 123 which functions as a commonmount for the card processing assembly 118, used card holder 120 and newcard holder 122.

1. Card Processing Assembly

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the cardprocessing assembly 118 includes: (a) a base support unit or lower basemember 124 having a plurality of walls 125 and a card track or cardsupport member 139 for supporting the card 116 while the card 116 is inmotion or at rest; (b) a suitable card entry sensor 127, such as onehaving a light source 127 a and a photo eye or light receiver 127 b; (c)a card transporter 130 for moving the card 116 to and from certainportions of the card processing assembly 114; (d) a data read-writedevice or data reader-writer 132 supported by the base member 124 forreading machine readable data stored on the data card 116 and forwriting and storing machine readable data on the data card 116; (e) agraphics printing device graphics recorder or graphics printer 134 forprinting, recording or forming text, symbols, images or other graphicson the data card 116 through the use of heat, chemical treatment orother suitable techniques; (f) a graphics erasing device or graphicseraser 136 for partially, substantially or entirely erasing or hidingtext, symbols, images or other graphics on the data card 116; and (g) anupper or top support unit or top member 137 which functions as a commonmount for the card entry sensor 127, card transporter 130, graphicsprinter 134 and graphics eraser 136.

In one embodiment, the card entry sensor 127 is electrically orelectronically connected to the card transporter 130. In operation,first the player inserts the card 116 through the card slot defined bythe card acceptor or card entry wall 140 connected to the exterior ofthe gaming device 110. When the card 116 reaches the sensor 127, thesensor 127 detects the card 116 and transmits a signal to the motor ofthe card transporter 130. When the card transporter motor receives thissignal, the motor activates the card transporter 130, and the cardtransporter 130 moves the card 116 into the gaming device 110.

In one embodiment, the card transporter 130 includes: (a) a plurality ofgears or drive wheels 141; (b) a plurality of card engagement wheels 142coupled to the drive wheels 141; and (c) one or more electrical motors(not shown) which are mechanically coupled to the drive wheels 141 andelectronically coupled to the gaming device processor 112. In operation,when powered by the motor, the drive wheels 141 transmit force to thecard engagement wheels 142 which, in turn, transmit force to the cards116. Depending upon the rotational direction of the drive wheels 141,the card transporter 130 can draw the card 116 into the gaming device110 or dispense the card 116 from the gaming device 110.

As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the data reader-writer 132 of the cardprocessing assembly 118 can include any suitable electronic orelectromagnetic card interface device which reads machine-readable dataon the card 116 and also writes machine-readable data to the card 116.In one embodiment where the card 116 has a magnetic strip, layer ormember 143 as described below, and the data reader-writer 132 includesan electromagnetic or magnetized device 144 which is in communicationwith the gaming device processor 112. When the card 116 enters the cardprocessing assembly or station 118, the processor 112 uses themagnetized device 144 to read the data on the card 116 in order todetermine if the card 116 is the proper type of card to be inserted intothe gaming device 110. If so, the magnetized device 144 then reads otherinformation on the card 116 such as the fund data corresponding to thetotal quantity of credit units and the name of the player. The processor112 retrieves this information and stores this information in the memorydevice of the gaming device 110.

In one embodiment, where the card 116 includes a heat sensitive graphicsrecording medium or member 146 (illustrated in FIG. 11), the graphicsprinter 134 includes: (a) a laser, heat or thermal energy source (notshown) and a thermal energy director or printing head (not shown) whichdirects the energy source to designated areas or portions of thegraphics recording member 146; and (b) a plurality of biasing members orsprings 148 which bias the printing head against the graphics recordingmember 146. For example, the printing head can direct the thermal energysource so that the thermal energy source is applied to the graphicsrecording member 146 in a designated pattern or form. The processor 112uses the graphics printer 134 to cause player-readable text, symbols,images or other graphics to appear on the graphics recording member 146.In one embodiment, when the player has completed playing the gamingdevice 110, the graphics printer 134 prints player-specific informationon the recording member 146, such as the player's name and the player'sbalance of credit units (or the monetary value of such credit units).

In this embodiment, the graphics eraser 136 of the card processingassembly 118 may include: (a) a thermal energy source (not shown) and athermal energy director or erasing head (not shown) which directs andapplies the thermal energy source to part or all of the heat sensitivegraphics recording member 146 of the card 116; and (b) a plurality ofbiasing members or springs 150 which bias the thermal energy directoragainst the graphics recording member 146. As described below, when acertain degree or level of thermal energy is applied to the heatsensitive graphics recording member 146, the text, symbols, images orother graphics on the printing layer 146 have a decreased intensity,darkness or visibility or are otherwise removed, erased or becomeinvisible. Using the graphics printer 134 and the graphics eraser 136,the processor 112 can print and erase player-readable text, symbols,images and other graphics on the card 116.

In one embodiment, the card 116 remains in the card processing assemblyor station 118 while the player is playing the gaming device 110. In oneexample, when the player is finished playing, the processor 112 uses themagnetized device 144 to remove or adjust the fund data on the card 116and to then store fund data associated with the player's current balanceof credit units on the card 116. At this phase, the processor 112 mayuse the graphics eraser 136 to erase all text from the card 116, and theprocessor 112 may use the graphics printer 134 to print the player'sname and the monetary equivalent of the player's credit balance on thecard 116.

Next, the card transporter 130, under control of the processor 112,dispenses the card 116 to the player. In this case, the player leavesthe gaming device 110 with the same card 116 which the player insertedinto the gaming device 110. However, the card 116 has a different creditbalance, a new printing of the player's name and a differentplayer-readable monetary or purse value printed on the card 116.

2. Used Card Holder

In some cases, the player may finish playing the gaming device 110 withno remaining balance of credits, and the player may not be interested inkeeping the card 116. In this scenario, the used card holder 120 of thecard management assembly 114 functions as a repository or storage placefor such used cards 116 a. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the used cardholder 120 includes: (a) a lower base unit or lower retaining member 152having a plurality of retaining walls 154; and (b) an upper unit, topunit or top member 156 for manipulating the cards 116 and 116 a. Thelower retaining member 152 may include a suitable card lifting mechanismor card lifting device 157 which applies a force to the bottom of thestack of cards 116 a. Depending upon the embodiment, the card liftingdevice 157 can include one or more biasing members, such as springs (notshown), or a motorized platform (not shown) which moves the stack ofcards 116 a upward or downward depending upon whether a used card 116 ais entering or leaving the lower retaining member 152. In addition, thelower retaining member 152 can include a card level sensor 158 forsensing when the old card holder 120 is empty or when the quantity ofold cards 116 a in the old card holder 120 has otherwise reached adesignated level.

The top member 156 of the used card holder 120, in one embodiment,includes: (a) a sliding closure member, gate or door 159 shown partiallyopen in FIG. 10; (b) a substantially flat support member or platform 160positioned so as to overlay the door 159; (c) a coupling member or arm162 which couples the door 159 to the platform 160; (d) a slide bar orrod 164 which couples the arm 162 to the platform 160, enabling the arm162 and the door 158 to slide relative to the platform 160; (e) a motor166; (f) a worm gear 168 which is coupled to the motor 166 and which isalso engaged with the arm 162; and (g) a motor (not shown) which drivesa card engagement wheel 170.

In operation, the gaming device processor 112 controls the motors of theused card holder 120 in order to selectively deposit used cards 116 intothe used card holder 120 and to retrieve used cards 116 a from the usedcard holder 120.

In one embodiment, the memory device of the gaming device 110 includesat least one card management instruction, command or program. This cardmanagement program directs the processor 112 to move a card 116, which aplayer has used to play the gaming device, from the card processingstation 118 to the used card holder 120 on one or more conditions. Onecondition is if such used card 116 remains in the processing station 118a designated amount of time after the player has finished playing thegaming device 110. As described above, when the card 116 is in theprocessing station 118, the processor 112, in one embodiment, removes oradjusts the fund data from the card 116 and erases all graphics from thecard. Therefore, when the player finishes playing the gaming device 110with no remaining balance of credits, and the player is not interestedin keeping the card 116, the processor 112 causes the processing station118 to move the card 116 to the used card holder 120 after a certainperiod of time elapses.

At the same time or shortly thereafter, the processor 112 activates themotors of the used card holder 120 and causes the door 159 to slide awayfrom the retaining walls 154, thereby exposing the opening 172. Theprocessor 112 then causes the card engagement wheel 170 to rotate in adirection which directs the card 116 over the opening 172. When the card116 reaches the opening 172, the card 116 drops into the lower retainingmember 152.

Once a card 116 is erased and moved into the used card holder 120, thecard 116, which at that point is a used card 116 a, is available for useby future players of the gaming device 110. For example, a new playermay initiate play of the gaming device by depositing coins, tokens or aticket into the gaming device 110. When this player finishes playing thegaming device 110, the player may have a balance of credit units. Whenthe player cashes-out, the processor 112 initially causes the used cardholder 120 to move one of the used cards 116 a to the card processingstation 118. Specifically, the processor 112 controls the used cardholder 120 so that the door 159 slides open, enabling the top card 116 ato exit the retaining member 152 and to rest on top of the door 159.Next, the card engagement wheel 170 rotates in such a direction so as tomove the card 116 a toward the card processing assembly or station 118.The card processing assembly 118 then, under control of the processor112, transfers fund data associated with the player's credit units tothe card 116 a and also prints or forms graphics, such as the player'sname and current monetary balance, on the card 116 a. Finally, theprocessor 112 causes the card processing assembly 118 to dispense thecard 116 a to the player. In this fashion, the same card 116 can bereused or recycled time and time again by different players of the sameor different gaming devices.

3. New Card Holder

It is expected that a certain percentage of players will begin playingthe gaming device with a data card 116 and a certain percentage ofplayers will begin playing the gaming device 110 without a data card 116by using, for example, tokens, tickets or cash. If too many playersbegin playing the gaming device 110 without a data card 116, incomparison to the number of players who begin playing with a data card116, the supply of used cards 116 a in the used card holder 116 may bedepleted.

For this reason, the card management assembly 114 includes a new cardholder 122 which holds a plurality of new or unused cards 116 b. In oneembodiment, the new card holder 122 is positioned on the pan 123 in linewith and directly behind the used card holder 120.

As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the new card holder 122 includes: (a) alower base unit or lower retaining member 174 having a plurality ofretaining walls 176; and (b) an upper unit, top unit or top member 178for manipulating the cards 116 b. The lower retaining member 174 mayinclude a suitable card lifting mechanism or card lifting device 180which applies a force to the bottom of the stack of cards 116 b.Depending upon the embodiment, the card lifting device 180 can includeone or more biasing members, such as springs (not shown), or a motorizedplatform (not shown) which moves the stack of cards 116 b upwarddepending upon when a new card 116 b is leaving the lower retainingmember 174. In addition, the lower retaining member 174 can include acard level sensor 181 for sensing when the new card holder 122 is emptyor when the quantity of new cards 116 b in the new card holder 122 hasotherwise reached to a designated level.

The top member 178 of the used card holder 122, in one embodiment,includes: (a) a sliding closure member, gate or door 182 shown closed inFIG. 10; (b) a substantially flat support member or platform 184positioned so as to overlay the door 182; (c) a coupling member or arm186 which couples the door 182 to the platform 184; (d) a slide bar orrod 188 which couples the arm 186 to the platform 184, enabling the arm186 and the door 182 to slide relative to the platform 184; (e) a motor190; (f) a worm gear 192 which is coupled to the motor 190 and which isalso engaged with the arm 186; and (g) a motor (not shown) which drivesa card engagement wheel 194.

In operation, the gaming device processor 112 controls the motors of thenew card holder 122 in order to selectively retrieve new cards 116 bfrom the new card holder 122. In one embodiment, the memory device ofthe gaming device 110 includes at least one card management instruction,command or program. This card management program directs the processor112 to retrieve a new card 116 b from the new card holder 122 on one ormore conditions. One condition is if the old card holder 120 is empty,as detected by the card level sensor 158 of the used card holder 120.

If this condition occurs, the processor 112 initially causes the door158 of the old card holder 120 to remain closed, and the processor 112causes the new card holder 122 to move one of the new cards 116 b fromthe top member 178 of the new card holder 122, through the top member156 of the used card holder 120 and to the card processing station 118.Specifically, the processor 112 controls the new card holder 122 so thatthe door 182 slides open, enabling the top card 116 b to exit theretaining member 174 and to rest on top of the door 182. Next, the cardengagement wheel 194 rotates in such a direction so as to move the card116 b toward the old card holder 120.

The processor 112 then causes the card engagement wheel 170 of the oldcard holder 120 to force the new card 116 b toward the card processingassembly or station 118. The card processing assembly 118 then, undercontrol of the processor 112, transfers fund data corresponding to theplayer's credit units to the new card 116 b and also prints graphics,such as the player's name and current monetary balance, on the new card116 b. Finally, the processor 112 causes the card processing assembly118 to dispense the new card 116 b to the player. In this fashion, thegaming device 110 can provide players with data cards even after thereare no more used cards 116 a in the gaming device 110.

In one embodiment, the gaming device processor 112 uses both of the cardlevel sensors 158 and 181 to determine or monitor the levels of cards116 in the card holders 120 and 122. In one embodiment, when theprocessor 112 determines that the amount of cards 116 a or 116 b hasbeen reduced to a certain level, the processor 112 provides a suitableoutput or message either on the gaming device 110 or on a facilitymanagement or maintenance system.

B. Data Card

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, in one embodiment, the front side orface 198 of the data card 116 includes a printing medium or a graphicsrecording member 146 which can include one or more layers of material.The graphics recording member 146 may be a thermosensitive recordingmedium or member or a thermo-reversible medium or member. In oneembodiment, the graphics recording member 146 may include one or morelow-molecular weight materials, and when these materials are heated todifferent levels of temperature, these materials change to havedifferent reflection densities. For example, one level of heat may causethe graphics recording member 146 to have a transparent state, andanother level of heat may cause the graphics recording member 146 tohave an opaque state. In another embodiment, when different levels ofheat are applied to the graphics recording member 146, differentchemical reactions occur in the graphics recording member 146. Here, onetype of chemical reaction can cause the graphics recording member 146 tohave one color, and a different chemical reaction can cause the graphicsrecording member 146 to have a different color.

In one embodiment, the thermosensitive recording member 146 has aplurality of different light transmission states associated withdifferent levels of heat. The different light transmission states caninclude a transparent state, an opaque state and other states. In oneembodiment, each of the light transmission states is associated with agraphical characteristic including, without limitation, black, white,color, shade and intensity.

In another embodiment, the thermosensitive recording member 146 has aplurality of different chemical states associated with different levelsof heat where each of the chemical states may be associated with agraphical characteristic including, without limitation, black, white,color, shade and intensity.

In the embodiment where the recording member 146 is a thermo-reversibleor thermosensitive member, the thermal head (not shown) of the graphicsprinter 134 applies a designated level of heat to a pattern on therecording member 146. If, for example, the pattern is the letters forthe text 202, the face 198 of the card 116 displays the player-readabletext 202, which in this example, is the name of the player. In anotherexample, if the pattern is the player-readable text 204, the face 198 ofthe card 116 displays the text 204 to the player. In this example, thetext 204 is the monetary equivalent or purse amount of the player'scredit unit balance on the card 116.

The graphics eraser 136 can erase this text 202 and 204 by applying acertain level of heat to the recording member 146. Accordingly, therecording member 146 can be written upon and erased time and time again.

It should be appreciated that various suitable sizes and types of therecording member 146 can be used to accommodate different types, sizes,color and shapes of different text, images, symbols and graphics whichthe card processing assembly 18 may print on and remove from therecording member 146.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the backside 205 of the card 116 includes amagnetic layer, strip, member, or magnetic memory device 143 whichmagnetically stores machine-readable data, codes or information. Usingthe reader-writer 132, the gaming device processor 112 can read thismachine-readable code and also write this code onto the card 116. Whenthe processor 112 stores fund data or information on the magnetic memorydevice 143, this data remains on the card 116. The player can take thischarged card 116 to a currency station, such as a clerk validationterminal (CVT). The currency station, in one embodiment, has a magneticread-write device which reads the fund data on the magnetic memory strip143. By communicating with an electronic pay validation system, thecurrency station verifies the amount of currency payable to the player.Upon successful verification, the currency station provides theappropriate amount of currency to the player. In one embodiment, themagnetic member 143 includes one of the magnetic strips which arecommercially available and commonly used on credit cards, and debitcards and the like.

III. Data Card Having Processor

Referring to FIG. 13, in one alternative embodiment, the gaming devicemay be used in conjunction with a data card 206 which includes: (a) adata card processor 208 which communicates with EEPROM (ErasableElectrically Programmable Read-Only Memory) 210; (b) data card ROM(Read-Only Memory) 212; (c) data card RAM (Random Access Memory) 214;and (d) data card interface 216. The data card processor 208 can includeany processor which has the function and size suitable for integrationinto a data card. Data card processor 208 operates on a suitableoperating system. The operating system known as mask may be one exampleof a suitable operating system. EEPROM 210 is a flexible and robust formof nonvolatile memory. Data stored in EEPROM 210 remains there even whenthere is no power supply, and the data can be changed relatively quicklyand easily, although not as quickly as data can be changed in data cardRAM 214. EEPROM 210 may store variable credit unit data, as describedbelow.

Data card ROM 212 stores computer programs or code which the data cardprocessor 208 uses to erase and write data. Data card ROM 212 mayinclude retain code which instructs the gaming device processor and/orthe data card processor 208 to cause the gaming device to retain thedata card 206 once it reaches a predetermined state or once a playerreaches a certain balance of credits, such as a zero balance. In oneembodiment, data card ROM 212 includes data regarding a predeterminednumber of times in which the data card 206 can be reset or returned to apredetermined state. Data card processor 208 uses this data todeactivate data card 206 at the appropriate time. This deactivationensures that older data cards which are vulnerable to dysfunction areremoved from circulation at the proper time. Data card RAM 214 includesdata which may vary from time to time. For example, RAM 214 may includedata regarding how many times a data card 206 has been used or whichgaming devices have received the data card 206.

Data card interface 216 can include any mechanism, connection orterminal which is capable of enabling the data card processor 208 toexchange data with the gaming device processor. In one embodiment, thedata card interface 216 includes one or more metal contacts (not shown)which are connected to the data card processor 208 and which are exposedat the surface of the data card 206. These contacts are adapted to makedirect contact with the contacts of a gaming device interface. Inanother embodiment, data card interface 216 does not include suchcontacts, but rather includes the mechanisms necessary for the data cardprocessor 208 to communicate with the processor of the gaming devicewithout physical contact between data card 206 or any interface orportion of the gaming device. In one embodiment, such a contact-freeinterface involves electrical current running through coiled wireincluded in the data card interface 216 and an electromagnetic fieldgenerated by the gaming device interface.

In one embodiment, EEPROM 210 includes a predetermined number of memorycells which are preset to “1.” Each “1” corresponds to a credit unit.Thus, if a player purchases ten credit units, ten of the memory cells inthe data card would be written or set to “1.” In response to messagesreceived by the gaming device processor, the data card processor 208writes or rewrites data to the memory cells.

For each credit lost during a game, the gaming device processor mayrewrite to a memory cell from “1” to “0”, and for each credit gainedduring a game the data card processor 208 may rewrite a memory cell from“0” to “1”. Alternatively, the gaming device processor can be programmedto minimize rewrites by not causing the data card processor 208 to writememory cells until the player cashes out or terminates the game. At thatpoint, the gaming device processor may subtract all credit losses fromall credit gains, resulting in a net credit. The gaming device processorcould then cause the data card processor 208 to rewrite a certain numberof memory cells from “0” to “1,” where the number of rewritescorresponds to the net credit. It may be preferable that if a playerloses all credits during a game, such that all memory cells are set to“0” or there is no net credit, the gaming device processor causes thegame to terminate.

In another embodiment, the data card need not include EEPROM or theother memory devices illustrated in FIG. 13. Rather, the data card mayinclude non-EEPROM technology and/or alternate, suitable data storagedevices which the data card processor and/or gaming device processor canuse.

IV. Gaming Device

The card management system can be used in conjunction with any suitabletype of gaming device. Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, twoalternative embodiments of the gaming device are illustrated as gamingdevice 310 a and gaming device 310 b, respectively. Gaming device 310 aand/or gaming device 310 b are generally referred to herein as gamingdevice 310.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, gaming device310 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides supportfor a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of aconventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player canoperate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device may bepositioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-styletable-top game (not shown) which a player can operate while sitting. Asillustrated by the different configurations shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B,the gaming device can be constructed with varying cabinet and displayconfigurations.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15A, the gaming device mayinclude at least one processor 312, such as a microprocessor, amicrocontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). The processormay be in communication with or operable to access or to exchangesignals with at least one data storage or memory device 314. In oneembodiment, the processor and the memory device reside within thecabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores program code andinstructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device.The memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data,player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-tabledata or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play ofthe gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device store fund data,credit data or credit unit data. In one embodiment, the memory deviceincludes random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, the memorydevice includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memorydevice includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasableprogrammable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, opticaland/or semiconductor memory may be implemented in conjunction with thegaming device.

In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating datadescribed above can be stored in a detachable or removable memorydevice, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk or CDROM. A player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop, alaptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or othercomputerized platform. The processor and memory device may becollectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”

In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming devicerandomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based onprobability data. That is, each award or other game outcome isassociated with a probability and the gaming device generates the awardor other game outcome to be provided to the player based on theassociated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming devicegenerates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation,there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide theplayer with any specific award or other game outcome.

In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gamingdevice employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or othergame outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcomeis provided to the player, the gaming device removes the provided awardor other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removedfrom the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcomecannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming deviceprovides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomesover the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actualwins and losses.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the gaming deviceincludes one or more display devices controlled by the processor. Thedisplay devices may be connected to or mounted to the cabinet of thegaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 14A includes a centraldisplay device 316 which displays a primary game. This display devicemay also display any secondary game associated with the primary game aswell as information relating to the primary or secondary game. Thealternative embodiment shown in FIG. 14B includes a central displaydevice 316 and an upper display device 318. The upper display device maydisplay the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated withthe primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondarygame. As seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, in one embodiment, the gaming deviceincludes a credit display 320 which displays a player's current numberof credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment,the gaming device includes a bet display 322 which displays a player'samount wagered.

The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, atelevision display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) adisplay based on light emitting diodes (LED) or any other suitableelectronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as describedin more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with anassociated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of anysuitable configuration, such as a square, rectangle, elongatedrectangle.

The display devices of the gaming device may be configured to display atleast one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images,symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition ofthe movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels andwheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters,places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements and thelike.

In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayedon or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, thedisplay device may include any electromechanical device, such as one ormore mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels ordice, configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality ofgame or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, in one embodiment, the gamingdevice includes at least one currency acceptor 326 in communication withthe processor. The currency acceptor 326 may include a coin slot or apayment, note or bill acceptor, where the player inserts money, tickets,coins or tokens.

Also, in this embodiment, the gaming device includes a data cardacceptor 328 where the player can insert data cards 14 and 116 into thegaming device and receive data cards 14 and 116 from the gaming device.In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device throughelectronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, theprocessor determines the amount of funds entered and the correspondingamount is shown on the credit or other suitable display as describedabove.

As seen in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 15A, in one embodiment the gaming deviceincludes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 330 incommunication with the processor. The input devices can include anysuitable device which enables the player to produce an input signalwhich is read by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriatefunding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activationdevice, such as a pull arm 332 or a play button 334 which is used by theplayer to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gamingdevice. The play button can be any suitable play activator such as a betone button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. In oneembodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the gameplay automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging oneof the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates gameplay.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, one input device is abet one button 336. The player places a bet by pushing the bet onebutton. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time theplayer pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet onebutton, the number of credits shown in the credit display may decreaseby one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display may increaseby one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (notshown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for agame of the gaming device.

In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 338. The playermay push the cash out button and cash out to receive a data card chargedwith credit units, a cash payment or other suitable form of paymentcorresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment,when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in acoin payout tray 340.

In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 15A, one inputdevice is a touch-screen 342 coupled with a touch-screen controller 344,or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for playerinteraction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and thetouch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 346. Aplayer can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device bytouching touch-screen at the appropriate places.

The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication portsfor enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals,such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays,an SCSI port or a key pad.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 15A, the gaming device includes asound generating device controlled by one or more sound cards 348 whichfunction in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the soundgenerating device includes at least one but possibly a plurality ofspeakers 350 or other sound generating hardware and/or software forgenerating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/orsecondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as anattract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamicsounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one ormore of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation orto otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players tothe gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display asequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potentialplayers to the gaming device. The videos may also be customized for orto provide any appropriate information.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a player or othersensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (andpossibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned toacquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or thesurrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera maybe configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video)images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog,digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configuredto display the image acquired by the camera as well as display thevisible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picturefashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player andthat image can be incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game asa game image, symbol or indicia.

Gaming device 310 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or basegame. The gaming machine or the gaming device may include some or all ofthe features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary orbase game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, numbergame or other game of chance susceptible to representation in anelectronic or electromechanical form which produces a random outcomebased on probability data upon activation from a wager. That is,different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, videoblackjack games, video Keno, video bingo or any other suitable primaryor base game may be implemented.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a base orprimary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 352. Thepaylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or anycombination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming device displays atleast one and preferably a plurality of reels 354, such as three to fivereels 354 in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotatingreels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In oneembodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality ofadjacent, rotatable wheels which may be combined and operably coupledwith an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment,if the reels 354 are in video form, the plurality of simulated videoreels 354 are displayed on one or more of the display devices asdescribed above. Each reel 354 displays a plurality of indicia such asbells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which maycorrespond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In thisembodiment, the gaming device awards prizes when the reels of theprimary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations ofindicia or symbols occur on an active pay line or otherwise occur in awinning pattern.

In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game whereinthe gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game ofvideo poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtualdeck of fifty-two card deck. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional gameof cards or in the case of the gaming device, may also include that thecards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If theplayer wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one ormore input device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via thetouch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwantedor discarded cards are removed from the display and replacement cardsare dealt from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a finalfive-card hand. The final five-card hand is compared to a payout tablewhich utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winninghands. The player is provided with an award based on a winning hand andthe credits the player wagered.

In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-handversion of video poker. In this embodiment, the player is dealt at leasttwo hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the samecards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its owndeck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand.The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands ofcards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayedand for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand.Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for eachhand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. Thepoker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards areprovided to the player.

In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein thegaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers onat least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the playerselects at least one or a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbersvia an input device or via the touch screen. The gaming device thendisplays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, ifany, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawnnumbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of matches,if any, based on the amount of determined matches.

In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits in a base or primarygame, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to wincredits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. Thebonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payoutin addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base orprimary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces asignificantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primarygame because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the baseor primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusualfeatures than the base or primary game.

In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type ofsuitable game, either similar to or completely different from the baseor primary game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a programwhich will automatically begin a bonus round when the player hasachieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base orprimary game. In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifyingcondition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particulararrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primarygame, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along apayline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B.In another embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition maybe by exceeding a certain amount of game play (number of games, numberof credits, amount of time), reaching a specified number of pointsearned during game play or as a random award.

In one embodiment, once a player has qualified for a bonus game, theplayer may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation throughcontinued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonusqualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, agiven number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulatedin a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits orentries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence ofmultiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result inan arithmetic or geometric increase in the number of bonus wageringcredits awarded. In one embodiment, extra bonus wagering credits may beredeemed during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.

In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game needbe employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonusgame; he must win or earn entry through play of the primary game and,thus, play of the primary game is encouraged. In another embodiment,qualification of the bonus or secondary game could be accomplishedthrough a simple “buy in” by the player if, for example, the player hasbeen unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15B, one or more of the gamingdevices 310 may be connected to each other through a data network or aremote communication link 358 with some or all of the functions of eachgaming device provided at a central location such as a central server orcentral controller 356. More specifically, the processor of each gamingdevice may be designed to facilitate transmission of signals between theindividual gaming device and the central server or controller.

In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determinedby a central server or controller and provided to the player at thegaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gamingdevices is in communication with the central server or controller. Upona player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, theinitiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to thecentral server or controller.

In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the gameoutcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primarygame based on probability data. In another embodiment, the centralserver or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondarygame based on probability data. In another embodiment, the centralserver or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both theprimary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In thisembodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing andutilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memorydevice of the gaming device.

In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintainsone or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes.In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the gameoutcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcomefrom a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controllerflags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome isflagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set orpool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server uponanother wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary gameoutcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes,or a series of game outcomes such a free games.

The central server or controller communicates the generated or selectedgame outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receivesthe generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome tothe player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selectedgame outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as areel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in acard game, is also determined by the central server or controller andcommunicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayedto the player. Central production or control can assist a gamingestablishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records,controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic orother errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.

In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices may be incommunication with a central server or controller for monitoringpurposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generatesthe game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server orcontroller monitors the activities and events occurring on the pluralityof gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes areal-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operablycoupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaminginformation system of this embodiment includes a player database forstoring player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking playersand a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.

A plurality of the gaming devices may be capable of being connectedtogether through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network isa local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devicesare substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central serveror controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion ofa gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is awide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices arein communication with at least one off-site central server orcontroller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may belocated in a different part of the gaming establishment or within adifferent gaming establishment than the off-site central server orcontroller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server orcontroller and an off-site gaming device located within gamingestablishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. TheWAN gaming system may be similar to the LAN gaming system describedabove, although the number of gaming devices in each system may varyrelative to each other.

In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. Inthis embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at thegaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment,operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may beaccomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller(the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or otherdata transmission line, digital signal line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxialcable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In thisembodiment, players may access an Internet game page from any locationwhere an internet connection and computer, or other internetfacilitators are available. The expansion in the number of computers andnumber and speed of internet connections in recent years increasesopportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number ofremote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth ofdigital wireless communications may render such technology suitable forsome or all communications, particularly if such communications areencrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancingthe sophistication and response of the display and interaction with theplayer.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or moregaming sites may be networked to a central server in a progressiveconfiguration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager toinitiate a base or primary game may be allocated to bonus or secondaryevent awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer is coupled to aplurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gamingsites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gamingsystem. In one embodiment, a host site computer may serve gaming devicesdistributed throughout a number of properties at different geographicallocations including, for example, different locations within a city ordifferent cities within a state.

In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for the overalloperation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a host sitecomputer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the masterfor computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sitesreport to, and receive information from, the host site computer. Eachcentral server computer is responsible for all data communicationbetween the gaming device hardware and software and the host sitecomputer.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15C, one or more of thegaming devices 310 are in communication with a pay validation system 360through a network or a plurality of communication lines or channels 362.The pay validation system 360 can include any suitable system fortracking payment transaction information for the use of data cards 14and 116 with gaming devices 310. In one embodiment, the pay system issimilar to the commercially available pay system known as the EZ Pay™cashless gaming system. In one embodiment, the pay validation system 360includes a pay validation processor 364 in communication with one ormore databases 366. The databases 366 store transaction information. Inanother embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices 310 are connected toone or more clerk validation terminals (CVT's) 368 through a suitablecommunication channel 362. Here, the CVT 368 is connected to the payvalidation system 360 through a communication channel 362.

In operation of one example, a player may play a gaming device 310 usinga data card, and when the player finishes playing the gaming device, thegaming device may provide the data card to the player with fund datacorresponding to a balance of four hundred credit units, the equivalentof two hundred dollars. At this point, the gaming device transfers thisfund data or information to the pay validation system 360. When theplayer goes to a CVT 368 to obtain the two hundred dollars, the CVT 368compares the fund data on the data card to the fund data stored on thepay validation system 360 for that data card. If the fund data matches,the CVT 368 pays the player two hundred dollars. If the fund data doesnot match, the CVT 368 does not pay the player the two hundred dollars.

To illustrate the circulation of data cards, in one example, a playerdeposits a certain amount of currency or cash in a gaming device. Thegaming device stores a supply of data cards. After receiving thecurrency, the gaming device processor transfers fund data associatedwith a balance of credit units to the gaming device memory. The gamingdevice enables the player to play the game with a possibility ofexperiencing credit gains and credit losses. As instructed by one ormore programs in the gaming device, the gaming device processor tracksthe number of credit gains and credit losses. If the player has noremaining credits or reaches a minimal level of credits, the gamingdevice processor will terminate the game and not dispense a data card tothe player.

In another example, the player may insert a data card with fund datacorresponding to a certain number of credit units into the gaming deviceto begin playing. The gaming device reads and writes to the data card toreflect the player's credit gain or loss. If the player ends the gamewith no credits, the gaming device may erase and retain the data cardfor future use.

In either example, if the player ends the game with a balance ofcredits, the processor of the gaming device, using the card read-writedevice, may update the fund data on the data card and then dispense thatdata card to the player. The player may then redeem the data card at aCVT or currency station for the amount of currency associated with thefund data remaining on that data card. In this manner data cards can bereset and reused repeatedly by different players.

V. Gaming Device Having Card Processing Assembly with Vertically-StackedCard Holders

Referring now to FIG. 16, an embodiment a gaming device 400 having ahousing 402 is illustrated. The housing 402 supports: (a) a processor404; (b) a display device 406 which displays a game to the player; (c) acard processing assembly 408 used to process data cards, such as datacard 410; and (d) a card information indicator or card mouth displaydevice 412 mounted to the housing 402 adjacent to the card processingassembly 408.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 18, the card processingassembly 408 includes: (a) a card mouth 414 which receives and dispensesdata cards; (b) a card hopper, driver or transporter 416 which drives ormoves the data cards from the card mouth 414 to the card holders 420 and422; (c) a read-write device 419 which reads the machine-readable dataon the data card 410 and also writes or stores machine-readable dataonto the data card 410; and (d) a graphics print-erase device 421 whichincludes a heat source which directs heat onto the data card 410. Thisheat source causes graphics to appear on the data card 410, and the heatsource also removes graphics from the data card 410.

In one embodiment, the read-write device 419 includes a data read device419 a and a data write or data storing device 419 b. In one embodiment,the read-write device 419 includes a magnetized device that interfaceswith a magnetic memory device on or in the data card 410. The read-writedevice 419 may include a memory device storing non-volatile memory forstoring a transaction history of five hundred to ten thousandtransactions or any suitable number of transactions.

It should be appreciated that the graphics print-erase device 421 caninclude a single mechanism that prints and erases cards or separatemechanisms, one of which prints and one of which erases. In oneembodiment, the graphics print-erase device 421 includes a thermalgraphics printer 421 a and a separate thermal graphics eraser 421 b.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the card holder 420 holdsacceptable quality data cards 424 which are useable, workable orotherwise satisfy a designated condition associated with an acceptablelevel of card integrity. The acceptable quality cards 424 include newdata cards which have not been used, and the acceptable quality cards424 can also include data cards which have been used but which have anacceptable level of integrity. Accordingly, the acceptable quality cards424 are dispensable to players during operation of the gaming device400.

The card holder 422 holds, supports or otherwise stores unacceptablequality data cards 426. The unacceptable quality cards 426 include datacards which do not meet a designated level of integrity. Theunacceptable quality cards 426 may satisfy a plurality of cardconditions, including, but not limited to, one or more of the followingconditions:

a) Data card has been read a designated number of times; b) Data cardhas been written to a designated number of times; c) Data card has beenthermally printed a designated number of times; d) Data card has beenthermally erased a designated number of times; e) Data card has beenused a designated number of times; f) Data card has been tampered withor altered; g) Data card has a flaw or defect; h) Data card isunreadable by the gaming device processor; and i) The intensity of thegraphics printed by the print-erase device has been reduced by adesignated percentage.

In one embodiment, the card processing assembly 408 includes a supportmember, frame or mount 427. The mount 427, which is connected to thehousing 402, supports the card transporter 416, read-write device 419,print-erase device 421 and the card holders 420 and 422 in relativelyclose proximity to one another. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the cardholders 420 and 422 are positioned or oriented in a vertically-stackedconfiguration. In the example illustrated, the card holder 422 ispositioned above the card holder 420. In other embodiments notillustrated, the card holder 420 is positioned above the card holder422. In additional embodiments not illustrated, the card holders 420 and422 are off-set from one another. In this off-set configuration, one ofthe card holders is located above the other, but the card holders havedifferent positions relative to a common x-axis.

Referring back to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, the housing 402 of thegaming device 400 has a greater degree of vertical space than horizontalspace. The vertical configuration of the card processing assembly 408enables the card processing assembly 408 to be relatively short inlength. Accordingly, the card processing assembly 408 fits within therelatively small horizontal space of the housing 402.

Referring back to FIG. 17A, the card mouth display device 412 includes asuitable display screen, such as a liquid crystal diode (LCD) or organiclight emitting diode (OLED) screen. The relatively small or miniaturedisplay device 412 displays images and graphics relating to the datacard 410 used by the player. For example, the card mouth display device412 can display an image or graphics which provides card usageinstructions to the player, such as an “INSERT YOUR CARD BELOW” graphics462.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17B, the card mouth display device412, as controlled by the processor 404, displays a plurality ofdifferent graphics, symbols or images 464, 466 and 468, each of whichcan be printed on the face 502 of the data card 410. By using one ormore input device, such as buttons 470, the user can select a desiredimage 464, 466 or 468. If the user selects cherry image 466, theprocessor 404 causes the card processing assembly 408 to thermally printthe selected cherry image 466 on the face 502 of the data card 410.

In this way, the processor 404 enables a player to print on the card410, casino-specific or other graphics which are displayed by the cardinformation indicator or card mouth display device 412. This enablesplayers to customize their data cards 410. In one embodiment, the gamingdevice 400 has a memory device which stores the data represented by suchplayer-selectable graphics, and the memory device stores such data apartfrom the computer code use by the processor 404 to control theread-write device 419.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17C, the gaming device 400includes a digital camera 472 controlled by the processor 404. Upon theplayer's request, through use of an input device, the camera 472 takes apicture of the player, producing a digital photograph 474 of the player.Then the card mouth display device 412 displays the player's photograph474. If the player is not pleased with the photograph 474, the processor404 enables the digital camera 474 to take another picture of theplayer. Upon the player's input, the processor 404 causes the cardprocessing assembly 408 to thermally print the player's photograph 474on the face 502 of the data card 410. It should be appreciated that thedisplay device 406 can also be used to display part or all of one ormore of the graphics 464, 466, 468 and 474.

The card mouth 414, in one embodiment, includes: (a) a plurality ofwalls 428 which define a slot 429; (b) an indicator 430 which indicatesor signifies information, features or events to the player; and (c) aneject device 431 which enables the player to eject the data card 410from the gaming device 400. The slot 429 has a length and widthsufficient to enable the player to insert the card 410 into the cardmouth 414.

The indicator 430, sometimes referred to as a lighted bezel, produces aplurality of different visual effects viewable by the player. In oneembodiment, the indicator 430 has a plurality of connected panelsforming a rectangular shape, and the indicator 430 surrounds theperimeter of the slot 429. The indicator 430 can produce one visualeffect when the gaming device is in attract mode, and the indicator 430can produce a different visual effect when a game is being played. Inone embodiment, the gaming device 400 includes one or more lightsources, such as light source 432. The light source 432 directs lighttoward the indicator 430. This light causes the indicator 430 toilluminate with different colors when different events occur. Thedifferent colors may result from different colors of light produced bythe light source 432. One embodiment of the indicator 430 is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,434.

In one embodiment, the indicator 430 includes a wall 434 defining anopening that receives a depressible activator or eject button 436. Whenthe player depresses the button 436, the card processing assembly 408dispenses a data card to the player. In one embodiment, the memorydevice of the gaming device 400 stores data associated with a pluralityof different designated visual effects, and each of the visual effectsis associated with a different event. For example, the different visualeffects can be associated with an attract mode event, a card insertevent, a game start event, a winning outcome event, a game end event, acash-out event and a card eject event. When the player inserts the card410, the indicator 430 may, for example, produce a green light, and whenthe player depresses the depressible activator 436, the indicator 430may, for example, produce a flashing red light.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the card processing assembly 408 alsoincludes an electronic or electrical connector or pin connector 438. Thepin connector 438 is attached to the rear side 440 of the cardprocessing assembly 408. The rear side 440 defines a plurality of holes441. The holes 441 are sized to receive a plurality of fasteners (notshown) which connect the card processing assembly 408 to the housing 402of the gaming device 400.

As best illustrated in FIG. 20, the pin connector 438, in oneembodiment, includes three pin walls 422 which define holes to receivethree electronic or electrical pins (not shown). It should beappreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the pin connector 438can include any suitable number of pin walls.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the under side 444 of the card processingassembly 408 defines a plurality of holes 446 a and 446 b. The holes 446a and 446 b are sized to receive a plurality of fasteners (not shown)used to mount the card processing assembly 408 to the housing 402 of thegaming device 400. The card processing assembly 408 also includes anadditional electronic connector or pin connector 448. In thisembodiment, the pin connector 448 includes eight or twelve pin walls(not shown) to receive eight or twelve electronic or electrical pins(not shown). It should be appreciated, however, that the pin connector448 can includes any number of pin walls. The connectors 438 and 448electronically or electrically couple the card processing assembly 408to the processor 404 of the gaming device 400.

VI. Data Card with Thermally-Printable Area

Referring to FIGS. 22 through 27, an embodiment of a thermally-printabledata card 500 having an upper side or face 502, a back side or underside504 and a body 507 positioned between the face 502 and underside 504.The thermally-printable data card 500 includes at least one thermallyactive or thermally printable region, member, zone or area 505 and atleast one non-thermally printable region, member, zone or area 506. Inoperation, the card processing assembly 408 thermally prints thermalgraphics 508 on or at the thermally printable area 505. The thermalgraphics 508 can include any text, image, art or symbol. The thermalgraphics 508 represents or describes changeable player information,player-tracking information, gaming information or gaming-relatedinformation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the thermalgraphics 508 include player-related text 510 identifying the player'sname or identity, payout-related text 512 identifying the purse value orredemption value of the card 500 and bar code graphics 514. The bar codegraphics 514 includes a bar code which is associated with the redemptionvalue of the card 500 which, in this example, is eight hundred dollars.

It should be understood that the data card system may be usable bycasinos which have not yet fully converted from bar code ticket systemsto the data card system. The bar code graphics 514, which are associatedwith the redemption value of the card, enable such casinos to continueusing bar code readers for redemption purposes. This is because, in oneembodiment, the card processing assembly 408 updates thethermally-printed bar code graphics 514 upon each use of a data card.Therefore, after the gaming device dispenses a data card to the player,the casino's bar code reader can determine the redemption value of thecard by reading the bar code graphics 524.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the non-thermally printable member or area 506includes gaming-related graphics 516 which, in this example, includegaming-related artwork and card insertion information. In theillustrated example, the graphics 516 include the representation orimage of a conventional playing card. The graphics 516, in oneembodiment, are permanent graphics which are preprinted on the card inthe card manufacturing stage. The graphics 516 can be produced with apermanent printing substance such as ink, paint or dye.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 25, the card 500 also includes a datadevice 518. The data device 518 stores machine-readable data. The datadevice 518 also enables the card processing assembly 408 to readmachine-readable data from the card and store machine-readable data 520to the card. In one embodiment, the data device 518 includes a magneticdata device or magnetic interface 522 that stores payout-relatedinformation, enables the reading of data on the data card and enablesthe writing of data to the data card. As in the example illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 25, the data device 518 can be visible on the underside 504of the card 500. It should be appreciated, however, that in otherembodiments, the data device 518 is positioned between the face 502 andunderside 504 of the card 500. In such embodiment, the data device 518is not exposed or visible. The data card 500 may include text 524printed on the underside 504 of the card 500. This text 524 may relateto legal disclaimer language, card usage information, restrictions ofuse or other suitable user information.

It should be appreciated that the data card can include multiplethermally-printable members or areas. Referring back to FIG. 24, in oneembodiment, the data card 500 includes thermally-printable area 505 aand thermally printable area 505 b. In this example, both of these areas505 a and 505 b display thermal graphics on the face 502 of the datacard 500.

As illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the body 507 of the data card 500, inone embodiment, includes: (a) a protection member or layer 524 (having athickness of two micrometers plus or minus one micrometer); (b) aprinting member or layer 526 (for preprint purposes, such as black); (c)a thermal printing member or layer 528 (having a thickness of five toeight micrometers); (d) an insulation member or layer 530 (having athickness of two micrometers plus or minus one micrometer); (e) amagnetic member or layer 532 (having a thickness of fifteen micrometersplus or minus two micrometers); (f) a polyethylene terephthlate (PET)member or layer 534 (having a thickness of one hundred eighty-eight totwo hundred fifty micrometers); (g) a printing member or layer 536(which may include multi-color or dye sublimation having a thickness oftwo micrometers plus or minus one micrometer); and (h) a protectionmember or layer 538 (having a thickness of two micrometers plus or minusone micrometer).

In one embodiment, the data card 500 includes one of the re-writablecards, such as the TC Card™, which is commercially available throughRicoh Co., Ltd or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, including, butnot limited, to Ricoh Electronics Inc.

In another embodiment, the data card 500 includes one of the embodimentsof the rewriteable card disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,448,284; 5,448,280and/or 5,448,279.

In one embodiment, the data card 500 includes one of thethermally-printable cards, such as the Kudos Card™, which iscommercially available through Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. or one of itssubsidiaries or affiliates.

As described above, in one embodiment, the data card includes a ticket,consists of a ticket or otherwise has the configuration of a ticket.Here, the tickets 14, 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 116, 206, 410 and 500 each havethe components and functionality described herein with respect to datacards 14, 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 116, 206, 410 and 500, respectively.

VI. Data Card

A. Card Changeover Door

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, in one embodiment, the gaming device 400includes an access device, access panel, card changeover device or door450 connected to the housing 402. The door 450 is connected to the rearside 452 of the housing 402, as illustrated in FIG. 28. In anotherembodiment, the door 450 is connected to the left side 454 of thehousing 402. In each embodiment, the door 450 is positioned adjacent tothe card holders 420 and 422 of the data card assembly 408. Inoperation, the door 450 enables an operator to: (a) replace the cardholders 420 and 422 with either a replacement card holder holding newdata cards or an empty card holder; or (b) insert additional cards intothe card holder 420 and remove the unacceptable quality cards from thecard holder 422. In one embodiment, the door 450 includes: (a) one ormore coupling members, such as tracks or hinges 456, which couple thedoor 450 to the housing 402; and (b) one or more mechanisms or members458 (including, but not limited to, grip members, handles and locks)which facilitate the operator's opening, closing and locking of the door450. It should be understood that the rear side 452 can include otherdoors and openings, such as the vents 460. In one embodiment, the cardchangeover device enables the user to load into the gaming device,approximately three hundred cards, from outside of the gaming device,within approximately sixty seconds.

B. Portable Card Loading Devices

Portable card loading devices constructed in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention are described herein. These card loadingdevices can be carried by hand by casino attendants and technicians toservice gaming devices on the floor of a gaming environment such as acasino. The card loading device is an external and separate device fromthe gaming device, capable of interfacing, such as by docking, with anappropriate interface of the gaming device.

In one embodiment, the card loading device communicates with a cardmanagement assembly 114 within the gaming device and is capable ofrequesting and processing status information and card loadinginformation to replenish consumable data cards and remove waste orreject cards. Responsive to received status and hopper levelinformation, for example, the card loading device is operatively coupledto automatically load new or acceptable quality data cards, i.e. “usecondition” data cards, and unload reject or unacceptable quality cards,i.e. “non-use condition” data cards. The service desirably takes placewithout interrupting play of the gaming machine and without opening anydoors or access panels of the gaming machine. Thus, using the cardloading devices described herein, a card management assembly 114 can bepromptly identified and serviced when necessary, and withoutcompromising security during the card loading operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, an embodiment of a portable cardloading device 600 that may be used in conjunction with the gamingdevice 602 is described. The card loading device 600 may include: (a) ahousing 604; (b) at least one card holder 606 positioned within thehousing; (c) at least one drive mechanism or card transporter 608 usedto dispense and retrieve data cards; (d) at least one input device 610enabling the operator to provide input signals for operating the cardloading device 600; (e) at least one output device 612 which providesvisual and/or audio output to the operator; (f) a processor 614 incontrol of the card transporter 608, input device 510 and the outputdevice 612; (g) a battery power source 616, which may be rechargeable,that provides electrical power to the card transporter 608, input device610, the output device 612 and the processor 614; (h) an access deviceor panel 618 which enables the operator to access the card holder 606;(i) a hand grip member or handle 620 which assists the operator ingriping, holding or supporting the card loading device 600; and (j) amouth 622 which enables the card loading device 600 to communicate withthe gaming device processor 404, distribute cards to the gaming deviceand receive cards from the gaming device.

In one embodiment, the mouth 622 includes: (a) a plurality of walls 624which define a card slot 626; (b) upper and lower gaming deviceengagement members 628 and 630, respectively, which removably engage thecard mouth 637 of the gaming device 602; (c) upper and lower electronicor electrical connectors 632 and 634, respectively, which operativelycouple the card loading device 600 to the processor 404 of the gamingdevice 602; and (d) a plurality of securing members or fasteners 644which enable the operator to removably connect the card loading device600 to the gaming device 602.

Referring to FIG. 31, in one embodiment, the card mouth 637 of thegaming device 602 includes: (a) an upper electronic or electricalconnector 638 which removably mates with or connects to the connector632 of the card loading device 600; (b) a lower electronic or electricalconnector 640 which removably mates with or connects to the connector644 of the card loading device 600; and (c) a plurality of walls 642which engage with the fasteners 644 of the card loading device's mouth622.

In one embodiment, the card loading device 600 includes a plurality ofsecuring members or fasteners 646 connected to the access panel 618 orthe housing 604. The fasteners 646 enable the operator to attach theaccess panel 618 to the housing 604 in order to enclose the card holder606. In addition, the fasteners 646 enable the operator to detach theaccess panel 618 from the housing 604 in order to gain access to thecard holder 606.

In one embodiment, the card loading device 600 includes a supportmember, such as a pivotal leg 648 having a gaming device engagement pador member 650. The leg 648 is movable between a first position where theengagement member 650 is positioned adjacent to the housing 604 and asecond position where the engagement member 650 is displaced from thehousing 604.

In operation, the processor 404 produces an alert signal which indicatesa designated card depletion level of the card holder 420 or a designatedcard level of the card holder 422. In response, the operator opens theaccess panel 618 and fills the card holder 606 with a supply ofacceptable quality data cards. Next, the operator attaches the mouth 622to the mouth 637 of the gaming device 602. In doing so, the operatorbrings the card loading device 600 into electronic communication withthe processor 404 of the gaming device 602. Then, the operatordownwardly pivots the leg 648 until the engagement member 650 engagesthe housing 402 of the gaming device 602. In this position, the leg 648distributes part of the weight of the card loading device 600 to thegaming device 602.

After making designated inputs using the input device 610, the cardloading device automatically distributes a plurality of acceptablequality cards to the card holder 420 of the gaming device 602. When thisdistribution is complete, the gaming device 602 automatically dispensesall of the unacceptable quality cards from the card holder 422 to thecard loading device 600. In one embodiment, the card loading deviceenables the operator to automatically load into the gaming device,approximately three hundred cards, from outside of the gaming device,within approximately sixty seconds.

The portable card loading device may assist operators in automaticallyretrieving unacceptable quality cards from gaming devices, and the cardloading device may also assist operators in automatically filling gamingdevices with new cards or acceptable quality cards. Because the cardloading device is portable and relatively convenient to use, the cardloading device increases the efficiency of operating and maintaininggaming devices which use data cards.

The gaming device can receive, read, update, reset, erase and house aplurality of data cards which are adapted to circulate through aplurality of gaming devices and which can be used repeatedly by multipleplayers on multiple occasions. The data cards usable by the gamingdevice can be reset or returned to a blank state or a face value stateon multiple occasions. Instead of the data cards being limited to use bya single player, much like currency, any player can use them. This typeof gaming device provides gaming device players and gaming enterpriseoperators with a greater level of convenience and ease in playing gamingdevices and managing gaming facilities, respectively.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a portable card loading device700, constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.The card loading device 700 is similar to loading device 600 in somerespects, as the two devices 600 and 700 share certain components andfeatures. For instance, the card loading device 700 includes one or morecard holders 606, a card transport device 608, one or more input devices610, one or more output devices 612, a processor 614, a power source616, and an access device or panel 618. The portable card loading device700 is preferably of suitable size and weight to be carried by hand,attached to a belt, or otherwise transported by a casino attendant.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the portable card loading device700. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the mouth 622 is formed in a matingmember 702, which protrudes from a housing 704 enclosing and holding thevarious components of card loading device 700 described herein. A datacard 706 can be input to and output from mouth 622, as shown in FIG. 33.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a card management system including theportable card loading device 700 and card management assembly 114 ofgaming device 602, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.In FIG. 34, mating member 702 is fitted into the card mouth 637 of cardmanagement assembly 114 during a card transfer operation. The matingmember 702 is removably secured to the card mouth 637, and can becoupled and de-coupled from card management assembly 114 as desired by acasino operator.

As shown in FIGS. 32-34, the mating member 702 is a mechanicalinterface, which is adapted to engage the card mouth 637 of the gamingdevice 602. The mating member 702 is shaped to protrude from the housing704, as illustrated, so that member 702 is capable of mating with thecard mouth 637. The mouth 622 of mating member 702 is shaped and sizedto dispense data cards such as card 706 to and receive data cards fromthe card mouth 637 of the gaming device 602. When card transfer at aparticular gaming device is complete, the card loading device 700 can bedetached from the gaming device 602 by removing mating member 702 fromcard mouth 637. The mouth 622 includes walls 624 defining a card slot626, and can be constructed to include one or more of the members,fasteners, components, and connectors, as described above with respectto card loading device 600 of FIGS. 30 and 31, depending on the desiredimplementation.

In FIG. 34, when mating member 702 is fitted into the card mouth 637,member 702 serves as a mechanical support to support the weight of cardloading device 700. Thus, a user such as a casino attendant does nothave to manually support the weight of the card loading device 700during card transfer to and from the gaming device, and can thereforefocus on viewing information presented on display 612, and providinguser input to execute the card loading operation. In addition, due tothe inclusion of member 702 in card loader 700, additional supportinghardware, such as the pivotal leg 648 and engagement pad 650 describedabove with respect to card loading device 600, can be convenientlyomitted.

In FIGS. 32 and 34, the mating member 702 is detachable from housing 704of card loading device 700. To this end, in one embodiment, the matingmember includes pins 708 a and 708 b which detachably fit intocorresponding openings formed in housing 704. This detachable connectionof mating member 702 to housing 704 provides a force limiting break-awayfeature, such that excessive forces imposed on the loading device 700,when engaged with the card mouth 637, cause the mating member 702 tobreak off from the housing 704 rather than tear or otherwise damage thecard mouth 637 of the gaming device 602, its supporting structure, suchas the bezels described herein, or the card loading device 700. Forinstance, during data card transfer, an inadvertent bump of sufficientforce by the casino attendant or a player against the loading device 700would cause the pins 708 a, 708 b of mating member 702 to snap off fromhousing 704, thereby detaching the mating member 702 from the housing704. The force threshold for detachment is set so as to allow detachmentbefore damage might be caused to gaming machine 602 or loading device700. After detachment, the user could simply pick up the separatedmember 702 and housing 704, snap the two pieces back together, andcomplete the card transfer process.

In FIG. 32, the card holders 606 include a first storage bin 606 aadapted to hold one or more data cards. In one embodiment, the datacards stored in the first storage bin 606 a are acceptable quality datacards, that is, designated with the use condition. The new cards infirst storage bin 606 a are intended to be loaded into the cardmanagement assembly 114 when a corresponding acceptable quality cardholder is low or empty. The card holders 606 also include a secondstorage bin 606 b adapted to receive one or more data cards having anon-use condition or designation from a corresponding unacceptablequality, i.e. reject card holder. As further described herein, cardshaving the non-use designation can include, for example, damaged cards,defaced cards, and other cards determined as having no more useablelife. In addition, in some situations, non-use cards also includeacceptable quality cards identified for removal, for example, when oneor more card holders in card management assembly 114 of gaming device602 are at capacity.

In FIGS. 32 and 33, in one embodiment, a third card holder 710 isfurther provided in the card loading device 700. This supplemental cardholder 710 can be constructed as hard container, or as a soft sack/pouchattached to the housing 704, depending on the desired implementation.The third card holder 710 provides additional reject card storage, thatis, additional storage space for non-use condition cards received fromthe gaming device 602 during a card loading operation. For example, thecard transport device 608 can be configured and coupled to transportcards having the non-use designation to the reject storage sack 710.When the sack fills up, an operator can remove it and easily destroy,recycle, or otherwise dispose of the cards. In one implementation, thirdcard holder 710 is provided in addition to second card holder 606 b toreceive non-use cards when card holder 606 b is at full capacity. Inanother embodiment, the third card holder 710 is provided in place ofsecond card holder 606 b. With third card holder 710, a larger number ofnon-use condition data cards can be transferred to the card loadingdevice than could otherwise be stored therein.

In FIG. 32, the battery or other suitable power source 616 providespower to the processor 614, the card transport device 608, and othercomponents of the card loading device 700. The battery is preferably arechargeable battery, such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metalhydride battery or a lithium ion battery. In alternative embodiments,the card loading device 700 does not include a battery. For example, theprocessor 614, card transport device 608, and other components of thecard loading device 700 can be powered through an external power source,for instance, using an AC adaptor. In another embodiment, suchcomponents are powered through a power interface in the mouth 622 of thecard loading device 700, that mates with a power coupling in the gamingdevice 602.

In FIGS. 32 and 34, the card loading device 700 further includes a datainterface 712 providing communications between the card loading device700 and the gaming device 602. In card loading device 700, datainterface 712 is located on the housing 704 separate from the member 702and its mouth 622. The data interface 712 provides the services ofelectrical connectors 632 and 634, as described above with respect tocard loading device 600, as well as additional services. For example,data interface 712 is capable of transferring executable code andrelated data, including software and/or firmware, for controlling thecard management assembly 114 and possibly other peripherals andcomponents of the gaming device 602. The data interface 712 isconfigured to communicate with a corresponding data interface 713 of thegaming device, for instance, including connectors 638 and 640 asdescribed above. In this way, respective processors of the card loadingdevice 700 and card management assembly 114 can be coupled tocommunicate with one another.

As an alternative to the wired connections described above with respectto connectors 632 and 634 vis-à-vis connectors 638 and 640 of cardloader 600, the data interfaces 712 and 713 can be constructed aswireless interfaces, for example, using Infrared Data Association (IrDA)protocol. In alternative embodiments, other wireless communicationprotocols are used, including various optical communications standardsand radio frequency (RF) communications standards.

FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of the card loading device 700. Asshown, the card loading device 700 includes one or more output devices612, including a display 714, and a speaker 716, that are coupled to theprocessor 614 to output visual and audio outputs to an operator,relating to card transfer and general operation of the card loadingdevice 700 during, before, and after card and code transfer operationsdescribed herein. For example, the speaker 716 can broadcast suitableaudio indicators corresponding to stages of a card loading operation,such as sounds indicating when a storage bin is full or empty, or when afirmware download operation is completed.

In FIG. 35, the display 714 is coupled to receive and displayinformation including card loading information provided by the processor614, in a suitable user interface. As shown in FIG. 35, the display isdisposed on a side of housing 704 opposite the mating member 702, forease in viewing when the card loader 700 is docked with card managementassembly 114. In alternative embodiments, display 714 is situated on thetop or sides of housing 704, as desired for the particularimplementation. In FIG. 36, the card loading information communicated atcorresponding stages of a card transfer operation can include, forexample: battery 616 charge state, data interface communications status,data interface signal status and strength, gaming device ID number, cardholder level and capacity for one or more of the above-described cardholders, synchronization data, and status information such as loadstatus, number of cards dispensed, and number of cards received by thecard loading device 700. Various visual symbols, text, and otherindicators presented in the user interface 714 can be used to conveysuch information.

FIG. 36 shows an exploded rear view of the card loading device 700. InFIGS. 35 and 36, the card loading device 700 further includes one ormore input devices 610 mounted to the housing 704, and accessible by auser to operate the input devices. The input devices 610 are operativelycoupled to the processor 614. Such input devices 610 enable a user toprovide one or more inputs to control operation of the card loadingdevice 700. For instance, a ‘start’ button can be provided, the pressingof which initiates the card loading operations described herein. Theinput devices 610 can further include a touch screen, for instance,fitted to display 612, configured to receive user input.

FIG. 37 shows a flow diagram of a method 800 for transferring data cardsbetween a card loading device 600 or 700 and a data card unit (DCU) of agaming device, performed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. As used herein, “data card unit” and “DCU” refer tothe card management assembly 114, described above. The terms “rotatingdata card unit,” “RDCU,” and “circulating data card unit,” as usedherein, also refer to the card management assembly 114.

In FIG. 37, the method 800 begins in step 804, in which the card loadingdevice (CLD) 600 or 700 is in an idle state, for instance, when carriedby a technician about a gaming environment floor. The battery 616 ispreferably charged, and the new card bin 606 a is preferably full.Gaming devices on the gaming floor are desirably configured with thecapability of providing visual and/or audio indicators to technicianswhen service, i.e. card transfer, is needed. In one embodiment, adisplay on a bezel 908 or other panel of the gaming device shows avisual representation of the amount of cards in one or more card holderswithin. For instance, a graphical representation of a gas gauge for anautomobile can be displayed to indicate whether a particular card holderis empty, full, or somewhere between. The technician can then easily seethe indicated level of cards, and decide whether to service the gamingdevice.

In FIG. 37, when a technician identifies an electronic gaming machine(EGM) such as gaming device 602 for service, the technician can insertthe mating member 702 of the card loading device 700 into the card mouth637 portion of a gaming device, in step 808, as described above.Alternatively, when using loading device 600, the technician can dockthe device 600 with gaming device 602 as described above. In someembodiments, a bezel 908 fitted to the cabinet of gaming device 602provides a mechanical interface to the card mouth 637. This bezelincludes a slot providing access to the mouth 637, and is shaped andfitted to provide a mechanical supporting structure for mounting thecard loading device 700 to the gaming device 602, as well as supportingelectronics components, as described in greater detail below.

In FIG. 37, after step 808, when the technician desires to initiate datacard transfer, the technician can indicate this intention by providingone or more inputs through an input device of card loading device 700,such as pressing a region of a touch screen fitted to display 714, orpressing the start button, in step 812.

In FIG. 37, following step 812, a communications session is establishedbetween the card loading device 700 and the data card unit 114. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, establishing the communications sessionincludes initiating and authenticating a communications session betweenthe corresponding data interfaces 712 and 713 of the card loading deviceand the gaming device, for instance, using IrDA standards, in step 816.As described above, the electronic communications occur through asuitable wired or wireless path, depending on the implementation. Inaddition, as part of the establishing of communications between the datacard unit 114 and card loading device 700, in step 820, the data cardunit 114 preferably suspends or disconnects communications with theprocessor of the gaming device 602, generally provided via a USB orRS232 interface. This suspension or disconnection can be performed inresponse to the data card unit 114 identifying the card loader 700, instep 816.

In FIG. 37, the RDCU 114 determines and communicates status informationfor transferring data cards to and from the card loader 600 or 700. Suchstatus information can include one or more status indicators such ascard holder availability, card holder level, card holder empty, cardholder not empty, card holder capacity, load status, number of cardsdispensed, and number of cards received. The RDCU 114 is preferablyconfigured with appropriate sensors and monitoring devices to gathersuch status information, and report it to a controller or processor forcommunications to the card loader 700. For example, the RDCU 114 candetermine the data card level of the acceptable data cards in therecycled card holder 120 and/or new card holder 122. The data card unit114 is also capable of determining whether there are any non-usecondition data cards in the unacceptable quality data card holder. Instep 824, the gathered status information of the data card unit 310 iscommunicated to the card loading device 600 or 700. Such information ispreferably displayed on the display 612 for monitoring by thetechnician.

In FIG. 37, the operations of the card transport device 608 in the cardloader 600 or 700 are synchronized with the card transport device 130 ofthe RDCU 114, in step 828. For instance, when the transport devicesinclude one or more drive motors, step 828 includes synchronizing thespeeds of the motors. In this way, card can be passed quickly betweenthe card loader 600 or 700 and the RDCU 114 without collisions or jams.

In FIG. 37, when the respective transport devices are synchronized, datacards can be transferred between the card loading device 700 and thedata card unit 114 in accordance with the status information provided instep 824. One operation and sequence for transferring cards isillustrated in FIG. 37, in steps 832-848, but other procedures andsequences are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Generally, the data card transfer operation includestransferring “use condition” and “non-use condition” cards, as describedabove, between the card loader 600 or 700 and the RDCU 114, inaccordance with the needs indicated by the status information receivedin step 824.

In FIG. 37, in step 832, based on the status information gathered instep 824, the data card unit 114 determines whether the data cards inthe acceptable quality data card holder 122 are at the proper level. Forexample, the card level of the bin 122 is checked against somethreshold, which can be set and adjusted as desired by the casinooperator/technician, depending on the capacity of the RDCU 114. In oneembodiment, the checking can be automatically performed by the processor614 of the card loader 600 or 700. In one example, when the level in thenew card bin 122 is within an acceptable and/or nominal range of thethreshold, the method proceeds with the checking of any remaining cardbins in step 844.

In FIG. 37, when the card bin is low, in step 832, the method 800proceeds to step 836, in which the RDCU 114 instructs the card loader600 or 700 via the established communications path that new data cardsare to be transferred between the card loading device 600 and the datacard unit 114. Often, the card level will be too low if the data cardunit 114 had to output a number of acceptable data cards to players oversome time. For example, every player who inserts a data card that is nolonger usable or is defaced will often automatically receive anacceptable quality data card when they cash-out. Thus, in step 836, whenthe new data card level is too low, acceptable quality data cards aretransferred from the first card holder 606 a of the card loader 700 tothe new card bin 122 of the data card unit 114.

In FIG. 37, returning to step 832, sometimes the data card unit 114determines that the data card level in the new card bin 122 is too high.For example, the card level may be too high if acceptable quality datacards have been retained by the data card unit 114 over some time periodbecause those cards had no remaining balance of credits. If the datacard level is too high, acceptable quality data cards are transferredfrom the new card bin 122 to the first card holder 606 a of the cardloading device 700, in step 840.

Either before or after the checking and transferring of cards as neededfor the new card bin 122, in steps 832-840, other bins within the RDCU114 are similarly serviced. For instance, an unacceptable quality cardholder holding non-use/reject condition data cards, i.e. reject cardbin, in the RDCU 114, can be checked in step 844. When the statusinformation provided in step 824 indicates that the reject card bin isnot empty, in step 848, the card loader 600 or 700 can service the binappropriately. Non-use condition cards are transferred from the rejectcard bin of the gaming device 602 to the card holder 606 b and/or thereject card container 710. When the reject card bin in the gaming device602 is empty, the method proceeds to step 852.

In one embodiment, at least one data card transferred to the data cardunit 114 from the card loader 600 or 700 is a card with a cleaningmechanism. This cleaning card is operable to clean components of thecard transport devices in both the card loading device 600 or 700 andthe data card unit 114. The cleaning card is also operable to cleanother card processing components in the data card unit 114. Afterservice, the data card unit 114 is configured to transfer the cleaningcard to a non-use condition date card holder.

In another embodiment, as least one data card transferred to the datacard unit 114 in method 800 is a data card with configuration data. Thisconfiguration card is operable to configure the data card unit 114and/or other components of the gaming device 602. For instance, the datacard can store data, parameters, settings, executable code, software,firmware, and other information to control the gaming device 602 or itsperipherals. After information is read from the configuration card inthe data card unit 114, the configuration card can be transferred to thenon-use condition data card holder in the data card unit 114.

In addition to transferring data cards to and from the data card unit114, in one embodiment of the invention, the card loading device 600 or700 is operable to transfer code, such as firmware or software updatesfor controlling the data card unit 114 and/or other components of thegaming machine 602. Such a procedure is a convenient way of updating andservicing gaming devices with ease and in a secure setting. Steps852-864 of FIG. 37 provide one method of servicing a gaming device inaccordance with this embodiment.

In one example, in step 852, the data card unit 114 identifies itsfirmware version, and communicates this information in response to arequest from the card loading device 600 or 700, and the information isdisplayed on display 612. In a memory within the card loader 600 or 700is stored the current firmware version and/or firmware update modules.In step 856, when the card loader 600 or 700 determines that theidentified firmware in the RDCU 114 is out of date, firmware istransferred from the card loading device 600 or 700 to the data cardunit 114 through the wireless or wired data interfaces 712 and 713described above, in step 860. In one embodiment, such code transfer canbe performed simultaneously with the card transfer operations describedabove. After code transmission is complete, and/or when the firmware onthe RDCU 114 is up-to-date, service can be designated as complete instep 864. The card loader 600 or 700 can then be safely removed in step868.

The process operations of servicing card bins in steps 824-848,vis-à-vis the updating of firmware or software in steps 852-864, may beperformed in the same gaming device servicing operation, in differentservicing operations, at the same time, and in any order. For instance,in one embodiment, the firmware is updated before any data cardtransfers are performed.

FIG. 38 shows a gaming device 900, constructed according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The gaming device 900 includes acabinet 904 providing a supportive frame and enclosure for the variouscomponents and peripherals of the gaming device 900. One component is abezel 908 fitted to a door 912 of the gaming device 900. In someembodiments, the door 912 opens and closes to enclose peripheralcomponents within, such as the card management assembly 114, describedabove. In gaming device 900, the bezel 908 is situated in front of thecard mouth 637 of the data card unit 114, providing a gateway for a userto access and use the data card unit 114. For instance, a player caninput and eject thermal rewritable cards through a slot formed in bezel908.

FIG. 39 shows a side view of a card management system 1000 constructedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. The system 1000includes card loading device 700, the bezel 908, and data card unit 114.As described above, data card unit 114 is disposed inside the gamingmachine cabinet, while bezel 908 is fitted to a door attached to thecabinet 904 or some surface of cabinet 904. As shown, bezel 908 providesan interface through which the mating member 702 of card loading device700 can engage the card mouth 637 of the data card unit 114 to transfercards there between.

FIG. 40 shows an exploded side view of the card management system 1000,illustrating components and features of the bezel 908. The bezel 908includes a depressible button 436 as described above with reference toFIGS. 16 and 17A-C. The depressible button 436 represents one example ofan input device mounted or otherwise coupled to bezel 908. In thisexample, a display device 412, in the form of an LCD, is coupled to themovable button 436. On a backside of the display 412, opposite thebutton 436, a printed circuit board (PCB) 1104 provides suitableinterfaces and connections between the display 412 and push button 436,and one or more processors, such as processor 1108 of the data card unit114.

In FIG. 40, the display 412 for bezel 908 is coupled to the button 436.In one example, as shown, the display 412 is situated on a back side ofbutton 436, and button 436 has a clear cap through which the display 412is viewable by a user. In another example, the display 412 is mounted onthe opposite side of button 436, that is, the external surface of button436. In one embodiment, when the display 412 is located on a back sideof button 436, as shown in FIG. 40, a casing can be provided tode-couple the movement of button 436 from display 412, so that display412 remains fixed when the button 436 is pressed. Alternatively, thedisplay 412 can be attached directly to the button 436, so that thedisplay 412 moves with the button 436 when pressed.

In FIG. 40, the movable button 436 and display 412 represent oneembodiment of a user input mechanism for interacting with the data cardunit 114 and gaming device 900. In an alternative embodiment, in placeof or in addition to the movable button 436 and display 412, a touchscreen or touch sensor attached to the bezel 908 is provided to receiveuser input. In this alternative embodiment, the user input device canremain in a fixed position with respect to bezel 908, when pressed.Various additional input devices including switches, touch pads, touchscreens, keys, and keypads, can be implemented in association with adisplay 412, and configured to provide interaction with a user of thedata card unit 114 and gaming device 900, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

In FIG. 40, the card management system 1000 further includes a cardentry member 1112 coupled between the bezel 908 and the data card unit114. The card entry member has an open card entry region shaped to meetwith the card mouth 637 at one end, and receive the protruding member702 of the card loading device 700 at the other end. In one example, thecard entry region defined within card entry member 1112 has a generallyflattened funnel shape to facilitate insertion of protruding member 702,while aligning with card mouth 637 of the data card unit 114, so thatdata cards may easily pass between the card loading device 700 and cardmanagement assembly 114. As shown, the bezel assembly 908 includes itsown opening 1116 formed within the bezel 908 that meets and is alignedwith the open card entry region of card entry member 1112. Thus, thebezel 908 and card entry member 1112 cooperate with the protrudingmember 702 of the card loading device 700 to provide an appropriatelysized and clear passage for data cards to easily be transferred from onedevice to another.

In FIG. 40, in one embodiment, the processor 1108 of card managementassembly 114 is coupled with suitable connectors and interfaces to thecircuit board 1104 of the bezel 908, to control the display of images,text, graphics, video, and other data to be output on the display 412 ofthe bezel 908. In addition, in one embodiment, processor 1108 is coupledto receive and process pushes of the button 436. Alternatively, whenother input mechanisms are used, such as micro-switch buttons, touchbuttons, or touch screens, the processor 1108 can be similarly coupledto receive and respond to activation of such buttons. In anotherembodiment, part or all of the functionality of processor 1108 isimplemented in another processor situated within gaming device 900, orin one or more processors mounted directly or indirectly to the bezel908. For instance, a sub-processor handling the selection and output ofvideo or image data to display 412 can be mounted to an area of bezel908, and cooperate with processor 1108 to retrieve and output designatedimage data to the display 412, as well as receive and pass on inputselections received through button 436. In addition, a processor mountedin bezel 908, or coupled to bezel 908, such as processor 1108, can befurther configured to control additional components, such as lights, andone or more data interfaces 712 and 713 described herein, such as anIrDA communications port.

In FIG. 40, the card entry member 1112 is preferably made of atranslucent material, so as to pass and diffuse light emitted from oneor more LEDs, described herein, and any other lights positionedproximate to card entry member 1112. Thus, light patterns describedherein can be dispersed and output through card entry member 1112 forviewing by a player or casino attendant.

FIG. 41 shows a front perspective view of the card management system1000, including bezel 908 and card management assembly 114. The cardentry member 1112 is shown receiving a data card 1204, such as a thermalrewritable card, through an opening 1208 formed in the bezel, theopening 1208 providing access to the mouth 637 of card managementassembly 114. A front perspective view of the button 436 is shown, withdisplay 412 coupled to the movable button 436, as explained above. Inaddition, a data interface 713 of the gaming device 900 is mounted tothe bezel 908.

In FIG. 41, preferably the data interface 713 is situated so that ittransmits outward from a face side 908 a of bezel 908, that is, so theinterface 713 faces the corresponding data interface 712 of card loadingdevice 700 when protruding member 702 is inserted in the bezel opening1208 to transfer data cards. In this way, wireless communications can beestablished to pass information related to the receiving and dispensingof data cards, as well as to download data and code from one device toanother, as described above.

FIG. 42 shows a rear perspective view of the card management system1000, including the card management assembly 114, the card entry member1112, and a rear side 908 b of the bezel 908. In FIG. 42, the bezel 908includes a bracket mounting assembly 1304 fitted to the rear side 908 bof the bezel, providing a supportive mounting frame to attach the bezel908 to a door or cabinet portion of gaming device 900. The bracket 1304can also provide protection for wires, connectors, memories, datastorage devices, circuit boards, processors, and any other electricalcomponents mounted on the rear side 908 b of bezel 908.

FIG. 43 shows a rear perspective view of the bezel 908 with the bracket1304 removed. As shown, electrical components mounted to the rear side908 b of bezel 908 include a plurality of LEDs 1404 a-d, coupled to oneor more processors as described above to output lighting and colorpatterns corresponding to operations of the data card unit 114. As shownin FIG. 42, the rear side 908 b of bezel 908 faces card entry member1112, so that the lighting colors and patterns output by LEDs 1404 a-dilluminate the translucent material of card entry member 1112 forviewing by a player or casino attendant.

In FIG. 43, the LEDs 1404 a-d represent one implementation of a lightingor display device which may be mounted on or proximate to the bezel 908to provide the output of lighting colors and patterns, as describedherein. Other lights and displays with sufficient power to illuminatethe card entry member 1112 can be used in place of LEDs 1404 a-d.

In FIG. 43, the LEDs 1404 a-d can be configured to output various visualindicators to correspond to conditions of the data card unit 114 andgaming device 900. For instance, lighting patterns can include colorsequences, lighting sequences and combinations thereof as codescorresponding to operational states of the data card unit 114, as wellas service indicators, and other gaming machine functions desirablycommunicated to players and casino technicians through bezel 908.

FIG. 44 shows a front perspective view of the button 436 and display 412of the bezel 908 assembly. In the embodiment of FIG. 44, the button isimplemented using snap top switches, two of which are designated byreference numerals 1504 a and 1504 b. These switches 1504 a and 1504 bare activated by the button 436, as the cap of the button 436 isdepressed by a player. The display 412 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED), orother type of display. The display 412 is operatively coupled to displayinformation regarding the status of operations and instructions forinteracting with the card management assembly 114, such as “InsertCard,” “Reading Card,” “Printing Card,” “Eject Card,” and “CallAttendant.” The display 412 is also capable of displaying the card levelin the acceptable quality data card holder and the non-use conditiondata card holder of the card assembly 114 for an operator. Other alertsor alarms indicating that the data card unit 114 needs to be servicedcan also be displayed to an operator. When the button 436 is configuredas an eject button, a player can press it to receive a data card withtheir remaining credits on it after playing a game on the gaming machine900.

In FIGS. 39-42, the card management system 1000 defines a subsystem ofone or more gaming devices in a gaming environment. The card loadingdevice 700, the bezel 908, and the data card unit 114 are all capable ofcommunicating with one another to transmit and respond to informationrelated to card loading as well as information indicating operations ofthe data card unit 114 and gaming device itself. Normal operation of thesystem 1000 includes two-way communication between the bezel 908 and thedata card unit 114 to pass data such as image objects, video objects,text data, and button presses between the bezel 908 and the data cardunit 114. State information of the data card unit 114 can be displayedon the display 412 of the bezel 908, indicating various conditions andmessages associated with operation of the data card unit 114.

In addition, maintenance operation for the system 1000 occurs when thecard loading device 600 or 700 is docked with the bezel 908 andcommunications are initiated between the data interface 712 of the cardloading device 700 and the data interface 713 of the bezel 908. Variousdata and code can be passed between the card loading device 700 and thedata card unit 114 including card holder levels, feed synchronizationdata, and firmware updates.

Returning to FIG. 40, the LCD-button assembly is controlled by one ormore processors 1108 to display card input/output (I/O) informationassociated with the data card unit 114 and possibly other peripherals ofthe gaming device 900. This card I/O information can include statusinformation relating to the transfer of data cards between the cardloading device 700 and the data card unit 114, as described above. Forinstance, displayed messages can indicate the status of a card loadingprocedure, corresponding to specific stages or steps of the card loadingmethod described above with reference to FIG. 37. Various messages canbe output to indicate corresponding conditions as described herein.

In addition, in FIG. 40, the card I/O information can indicate to aplayer a card insert status, an insert card instruction, a retrieve cardinstruction, and a card orientation indication. Thus, information can beprovided at the appropriate stages of a gaming session to indicatewhether or not a card has been inserted, an instruction for the playerto insert a card to begin a gaming session, instructions to retrieve acard at the end of a gaming session, and an instruction indicating how acard should be oriented when it is inserted in the mouth 637 of the datacard unit 114. Thus, depending on the state or mode of a gaming session,the display can output information to a player or casino attendantproviding information as to the actions to take at that stage or mode ofthe session.

As used herein, the display 412 of bezel 908 not only refers to thedisplay 412, but also refers to the LEDs 1404 a-d situated on the backside 908 b of bezel 908. That is, the LEDs 1404 a-d are operable todisplay color and lighting sequences to indicate state informationcorresponding to the operations of the data card unit 114, states andmodes of a gaming session, as well as other operations of the gamingdevice 900. In this way, the bezel 908 includes features whichfacilitate and increase communication with casino patrons as well ascasino attendants. The LEDs 1404 a-d can be selected to provide multiplecolors to illuminate the card entry member 1112 and thereby present amulti-color lighted card entry to the player. The colors output,sequences of colors, and flashing light patterns can correspond toparticular codes or information as described below. In addition, thebutton 436 can be configured to provide direction to players, and signalattendants when maintenance is required.

In FIG. 44, the button 436 and display 412 are operatively coupled toone or more processors to display various images and messages indicatingthe function of the button 436. These images can change according to thefunction and can include various colors, graphics, and video data toindicate a message corresponding to a particular condition of operation,as illustrated in Table 1:

TABLE 1 CONDITION PRIMARY MESSAGES - TEXT LCD MESSAGE Power off OFFReady INSERT CARD Processing Card (in) READING CARD Processing Card(out) PRINTING CARD Card in Escrow EJECT CARD Card Presented COLLECTCARD Device disabled CALL ATTENDANT SECONDARY MESSAGES - ICONS LCD ICONNew Card Bin Near Full or Near Empty DISPLAY NEW CARD BIN ICON RejectCard Bin Near Full or Near Empty DISPLAY REJECT CARD BIN ICON

In addition, using the multi-color card entry member 1112 as a display,when illuminated by the LEDs 1404 a-d, the card entry member 1112 cancommunicate additional status messages to a player or casino attendant.Table 2 illustrates conditions and associated messages/signals toprovide information to a casino attendant.

TABLE 2 CONDITION SIGNAL Power off OFF Ready SOLID ON RED Ready (PlayerTracking Card in Device) SOLID ON GREEN New card bin empty or full FASTBLINK Reject bin full FAST BLINK Voltage error TWO FAST BLINKTemperature error TWO FAST BLINK Print head error TWO FAST BLINK JamTHREE FAST BLINK Download Complete BLINK, THEN SOLID ON RED Cardprinting SLOW BLINK GREEN

Various color selections, color sequences, and light flashing patterns,as described above, can be selected to convey information to players andcasino attendants, as shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Bezel Color Solid Flashing Red Game is idle; no card is Invalidcard insertion inserted Green An attendant or player card is A playercard is inserted, inserted. If a player card is but eligibility forbonuses inserted, the player is eligible has expired for the current forbonuses. session. Orange The game is active, but no The game is active,but card is inserted. If the system eligibility for bonuses, if isconfigured to offer bonuses configured for uncarded to uncarded players,the players, has expired. player is eligible for bonuses. BlueConfigurable Configurable Purple Configurable Configurable WhiteConfigurable Configurable

As described herein, the display 412-button 436 assembly in bezel 908provides a user-friendly selection for a player to both receiveinformation and input instructions corresponding to the use of datacards with the gaming device 900. In addition, other instructions can beprovided on the display 412, depending on the state or mode of a gamingdevice. For instance, a message on the display 412 can indicate to acasino attendant which component of a card management assembly 114requires service.

In one example, a casino attendant is required to first insert asecurity card into the card mouth 637 of card management assembly 114,before being authorized to access the data card unit 114. Afterauthorization, an “Eject?” message is displayed on button display 412,indicating the availability of an eject service to empty theunacceptable quality data card bin within card management assembly 114.Upon pressing the button, the data card unit 114 ejects all of thereject cards from the card mouth 637 to the casino attendant fordisposal.

While the bezel 908 described above and illustrated in the variousfigures is shown with a single button 436 and display 412 assembly,additional buttons, touch screens, touch pads, and switches can bemounted to bezel 908 within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In one example, a first button-display assembly is designatedto provide instructions and state information to a player, regardinginsertion of a data card or other functionality of the data card unit114 of interest to the player. A second button-display assembly providesmaintenance and service information of interest to casino personnel.Additional configurations of buttons and switches on bezel 908 can beprovided to facilitate the communication and recognition of stateinformation and actions requested from casino patrons and personnel.

The various card loading devices described herein make card loadingoperations a more secure event. Casino attendants can carry the loadingdevices from gaming device to gaming device, and service the devicewithout opening a gaming device door. In this way, security of enclosedcomponents such as the bill acceptor, cash box, and processor is notcompromised. Theft and tampering is avoided. Also, the loading device iseasy to use, and no special training is required.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of thedisclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention. In addition, although various advantages,aspects, and objects of the present invention have been discussed hereinwith reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that thescope of the invention should not be limited by reference to suchadvantages, aspects, and objects. Rather, the scope of the inventionshould be determined with reference to the appended claims.

1. A method of transferring data cards between a card loading device anda data card unit of a gaming device, the method comprising: establishinga communications session between the card loading device and the datacard unit; determining status information for transferring data cardsbetween the card loading device and the data card unit; providing thedetermined status information to the card loading device; synchronizingoperation of a card transport device in the card loading device with acard transport device in the data card unit; and transferring data cardsbetween the card loading device and the data card unit in accordancewith the determined status information.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the status information includes one or more status indicatorsselected from the group consisting of: card holder availability, cardholder level, card holder empty, card holder not empty, card holderfull, card holder capacity, load status, number of cards dispensed, andnumber of cards received.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein transferringdata cards includes transferring data cards from the card loading deviceto the data card unit.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the transferreddata cards have a use designation.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein thetransferred data cards include a cleaning card.
 6. The method of claim3, wherein the transferred data cards include a configuration card. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein transferring data cards includestransferring data cards from the data card unit to the card loadingdevice.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transferred data cardshave a non-use designation.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: transferring code from the card loading device to the gamingdevice.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the code includes firmwareassociated with the gaming device.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe code includes firmware associated with the data card unit.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein establishing a communications session betweenthe data card unit and a card loading device is performed with anoptical communications protocol.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinestablishing a communications session between the data card unit and acard loading device is performed with an Infrared Data Association(IrDA) communications protocol.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: displaying information including card loading information ona display of the card loading device.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the card loading information includes one or more items selectedfrom the group consisting of: battery level, data interfacecommunications status, data interface signal strength, gaming device IDnumber, synchronization data, and the determined status information. 16.The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing audio output to aspeaker of the card loading device, the audio output relating tooperation of the card loading device.
 17. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving one or more inputs to control operation of thecard transport device.
 18. A card loading device for use with a gamingdevice under control of a gaming processor, the gaming device operablewith a plurality of data cards, the gaming device having a card mouthadapted to receive and dispense ones of the data cards, the card loadingdevice comprising: a housing; a first card holder situated in thehousing, the first card holder adapted to hold one or more data cardshaving a use designation; a second card holder situated in the housing,the second card holder adapted to hold one or more data cards having anon-use designation; a mating member detachable from the housing, themating member adapted to engage the card mouth of the gaming device, themating member having a mouth adapted to dispense data cards to andreceive data cards from the card mouth of the gaming device; a cardtransport device situated in the housing, the card transport deviceoperatively coupled to transport the data cards having the usedesignation from the first card holder to the mouth of the matingmember, and to transport the data cards having the non-use designationfrom the mouth of the mating member to the second card holder, the cardtransport device coupled to a power supply; a processor coupled tocontrol the card transport device; a data interface coupled to theprocessor, the data interface configured to communicate with a datainterface of the gaming device coupled to the gaming processor; and adisplay coupled to receive and display information including cardloading information provided by the processor.
 19. The card loadingdevice of claim 18, wherein the mating member is adapted to mate withthe card mouth of the gaming device.
 20. The card loading device ofclaim 18, wherein the data interface of the card loading device iscapable of transferring code to the data interface of the gaming device.21. The card loading device of claim 20, wherein the code includesfirmware.
 22. The card loading device of claim 21, wherein the firmwareis associated with the gaming device.
 23. The card loading device ofclaim 18, wherein the data interface of the card loading device is awireless interface.
 24. The card loading device of claim 23, wherein thedata interface of the card loading device is configured to communicateusing Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol.
 25. The card loadingdevice of claim 18, wherein the data interface of the card loadingdevice is a wired interface.
 26. The card loading device of claim 18,wherein the display is disposed on a side of the housing opposite themating member.
 27. The card loading device of claim 18, wherein the cardloading information includes one or more items selected from the groupconsisting of: battery level, data interface communications status, datainterface signal strength, gaming device ID number, card holdercapacity, synchronization data, load status, number of cards dispensed,and number of cards received.
 28. The card loading device of claim 18,further comprising: an input device operatively coupled to theprocessor, the input device enabling a user to provide one or moreinputs to control operation of the card transport device.
 29. The cardloading device of claim 28, wherein the input device includes a ‘start’button.
 30. The card loading device of claim 18, further comprising: aspeaker coupled to receive and output audio data provided by theprocessor.
 31. The card loading device of claim 18, further comprising:a third card holder adapted to hold one or more of the data cards havingthe non-use designation.